The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support school students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Victoria through a multi-million-dollar investment – helping them get the best educational opportunities.
Speaking at the opening of the Collingwood English Language School’s South Morang campus, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the growth of EAL facilities in Victoria means that more students will have access to English learning – opening doors to a wide range of further study and local careers.
The Labor government has delivered an additional $37.9 million for the 2024 school year to meet the educational needs of Victorians who are EAL learners, ensuring they can fully participate in their school experience.
This funding supports the language learning of EAL students who are newly arrived in Australia, and also of Australian-born students in mainstream schools from a culturally and linguistically diverse background who need extra English language support.
Almost 14 per cent of Victorian students are EAL learners and a targeted focus on their needs boosts all our schools to provide an inclusive educational environment where they can feel confident to reach their full potential.
This investment ensures that schools are able to employ EAL teachers and Multicultural Education Aides (MEAs) so that more students get access to English language programs across the 2024 and 2025 school years – and are equipped with English language skills to thrive.
Newly arrived EAL students attend their closest English language school or centre for 6 to 12 months before transitioning to a mainstream school to continue their learning, with students in rural and isolated locations can access the Virtual New Arrivals Program delivered by the Victorian School of Languages.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $18.5 billion in school education – making sure every student gets the education they need to succeed in life, no matter their background or where they live.
As stated by Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“Victoria’s multicultural society is what makes this such an incredible place to live and learn – and we’re making sure those migrants who need it are supported with critical English language skills.”
“Our schools and teachers are doing an amazing job of helping newly arrived Victorians get high level English language skills sooner, so they have access to the full range of opportunities Victoria has to offer.”
As stated by Minster for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks
“We’re proud to be providing support to our culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians – this funding will help CALD Victorians develop their English skills and take advantage of all the opportunities our state has to offer.”
