To bolster Australia’s multicultural fabric, the Albanese Labor Government has announced a $25 million investment to support over 600 community language schools nationwide. This initiative aims to benefit more than 90,000 students learning 84 different languages, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to cultural diversity and social inclusion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, “We live in the greatest country in the world, and that is in part due to the people and their cultures from all nations on earth who call Australia home.”
“Our diversity is our nation’s strength.”
The funding will enhance the capacity of community language schools to provide quality language education, connect students with their heritage, and promote multilingualism.
A dedicated $5 million will be allocated to a specialist Asian languages stream, encouraging students to pursue fluency in languages such as Mandarin, Hindi, and Japanese through to Years 11 and 12. This focus aims to open up further employment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with Australia’s regional neighbours.
Community language schools play a vital role in helping young Australians, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, maintain a connection to their ancestral languages and cultures. These schools operate outside regular school hours and are often run by dedicated volunteers who provide instruction in various languages, including Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, and many others.
Minister for Education Jason Clare highlighted the significance of these schools, noting,
“Community language schools are a key part of helping families to pass on the language of their ancestors to their children. That’s why this funding is important.”
The Albanese Government’s commitment to community language education stands in contrast to previous administrations. Under the Coalition, these schools operated with minimal support, relying heavily on volunteers and limited resources. Labor’s investment aims to provide these schools with the necessary funding to improve facilities, access educational materials, and expand their reach to more students across the country.
This initiative is part of Labor’s broader plan to build Australia’s future by fostering a more inclusive and culturally rich society. By investing in community language schools, the government seeks to empower young Australians to embrace their heritage, enhance their language skills, and contribute to the nation’s multicultural identity.
As Australia continues to evolve as a diverse and dynamic nation, initiatives like this underscore the importance of preserving linguistic heritage and promoting cultural understanding among future generations.
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