The NSW Government is investing in the future of language learning in NSW, by providing the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools $400,000 in funding.
The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools has received the investment from the NSW LNP Government, which will help support the running of classes in more than 60 languages state-wide.
Minister for multiculturalism Mark Coure said the more young people are empowered to retain or learn a second or third language, the more benefits there will be for them in the future.
“Being able to speak another language is such a powerful skill to have, and it can open up so many employment opportunities and can be a huge boost to someone’s career,” Mr Coure said.
“There are also benefits for us as a multicultural society – the more people that can speak a second or third language, the greater opportunities we have to be able to improve access to services and information.
“Community Language Schools help give young people the chance to learn and develop this important skill set so these opportunities are available to them, while also helping strengthen connections to their culture.”
NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Chief Executive Michael Christodoulou AM said the organisation was grateful to the NSW Government for the substantial funding.
“These funds will assist to build the capacity of community language school teachers to deliver the best practice language learning strategies to students. Also, to promote the value of language schools in the community to improve student access to learning a second language,” Mr Christodoulou said.
In NSW there are more than 35,000 students taught by more than 3,100 volunteer teachers through community language schools.