The Albanese Labor Government has announced a $15 million investment to establish a Community Language Schools Grant program, delivering on its election commitment to support kids learning a language other than English.Community language schools strengthen the cultural and linguistic diversity of Australia whilst maintaining the link between young children and the languages of their parents and grandparents.
The new grant program will provide up to $30,000 over two years for eligible community language schools helping them expand access to pre-school aged children, purchase new resources, build quality learning environments, cover costs such as rent or teacher training, or provide fee-relief for disadvantaged students.
Further information about the program will be available from Friday 1 September 2023 on
GrantConnect Help and Information (grants.gov.au)
Applications will open from 1 September 2023 and will close on 9 October 2023.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles said: “Languages help connect Australians to each other, and to the world. The Albanese Labor Government is committed to strengthening our social connections and facilitating the exchange of cultures by making it easier to learn a second language.
“This important announcement will ensure that as our diverse community grows, our youngest multicultural Australians will be supported to learn the language and culture of their parents and grandparents.
“The younger someone starts learning another language, the easier it will be for them to pick it up, so we’ve included funding to support classes for pre-school aged children. It’s an investment in their future, in Australia’s future as a proudly multicultural society.”
Member for Werriwa, Ms Anne Stanley MP said: “Our community is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse in Australia, which is why it is so important that young children are supported in learning the languages of their parents and grandparents. “I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is committed to supporting and strengthening our multicultural society through initiatives such as the Community Language Schools Grant program.“This grant program is a great opportunity for community language schools in Werriwa who are looking to expand access and to provide a greater quality of learning to kids learning a new language.”