NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a $9.9 million funding boost to support NSW languages schools across the state.
Eight out of 10 of community languages schools hold their classes in a NSW government public school, with the Department of Education subsidising the cost of using the facilities with the funds being distributed to community organisations and groups who meet specific criteria to support the operations of the schools and their teachers.
“NSW is the most culturally diverse state in the country, and we are proud to embrace the many languages and cultures that contribute to our society,” Mr Perrottet said, adding that the state has 565 language schools helping connect more than 33,000 students with their heritage and strengthen communities through learning a language.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said community languages are hugely important in allowing communities to stay connected to their heritage and helping them develop their skills in that language.
“It is so important we are providing families with community languages schools to help with their continuing development of their heritage language,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The funding will help operate the schools and provide professional development to the dedicated volunteer teachers. We will also be helping the schools undertake a digital transformation, allowing them to reach more people.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure went on to thank the more than 3,000 volunteer teachers in community languages schools, which teach 63 different languages to students in the out-of-school hours program last year.
“It takes the dedication of our invaluable teachers and community language advocates to make sure that the languages from around the world are preserved and celebrated here in New South Wales,” Mr Coure said.
“Above all, these teachers pass on the gift of language to new generations, connecting them to culture and heritage while promoting community harmony.”