- 53 community language schools have been funded through the Western Australian Community Languages Program
- More than 34 community languages other than English are taught at not-for-profit, volunteer-run schools
Language learning in Western Australia is thriving after a major funding boost from the State Government.
The Cook Government is providing a total of $718,867 to support 53 not-for-profit community language schools, to teach more than 7,300 students across the State in 2023.
The community language schools, run mostly by volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, teach more than 34 languages; including Arabic, Greek, Kiswahili, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tamil and Vietnamese.
Students from Kindergarten-Year 12 will be supported through the program in 2023, including 50 students enrolled in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Two schools are being funded for the first time in 2023, with one new language to the program, Urdu, also being supported.
In addition to the grants program, the Cook Government supports Community Languages WA, to provide professional development opportunities to more than 800 volunteer teachers and school administrators throughout the school year.
Opportunities for one-on-one mentor support from an experienced language educator are also provided through the program.
For more information about the Community Languages Program and the 2023 funding recipients, visitwww.omi.wa.gov.au
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“The growth of the Community Languages Program over the past three years shows the importance of investing in language diversity in Western Australia.
“The funding of new schools and languages in the Community Languages Program reflects the changing Western Australian population.
“Opportunities for teacher mentorship and professional development recognise the commitment and skills that community language teachers hold, and their efforts to make a positive difference in students’ lives.
“Learning languages other than English helps create a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which are important qualities in building an interconnected, vibrant and inclusive multicultural society.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to strengthening language learning and cultural understanding through initiatives like the WA Community Languages Program.”
