In a bid to bolster cultural preservation and linguistic diversity, community language schools in Greater Springfield have received a substantial funding boost under a program initiated by the Federal Government.
Among the beneficiaries are institutions catering to Hindi and Dinka languages, highlighting the diverse tapestry of immigrant communities in the region.
The $15 million scheme targets not-for-profit Community Language Schools nationwide, directly benefiting over 90,000 students spanning 84 different languages.
Locally, this investment aims to enrich the educational experience and cultural connectivity of students in the Greater Springfield area.
One of the notable recipients, the Vedanta Centre Hindu temple and community centre in Springfield Lakes, has secured approximately $6,000 to bolster its online Hindi classes.
These classes, catering to both children and adults, encompass comprehensive language skills including reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
Another significant grant of around $33,000 has been earmarked for the Sudanese-Australian Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan (SALBAGOSS) in Redbank Plains.
This funding will support the continuation of Dinka language and culture classes, vital for approximately 60 South Sudanese refugee orphans, unaccompanied minors, and other children.
Additional beneficiaries include the Sinhala Association of Queensland in Springfield and the Thaai Tamil School in Springfield both receiving funding to sustain and enhance language education initiatives.
Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick said his electorate was one of the most diverse and multicultural in the country.
“I’m delighted that Community Language Schools in our area have received these grants,” he said.
“It’s great to live in an area that has such a wide range of different cultures and languages being spoken. These language schools are an important part of our community that helps locals to preserve their language, culture and heritage.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said community schools don’t just teach children a new language, they build a community for families of similar backgrounds and help kids connect with their culture and elders in their communities.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s investment in community language schools in Blair and Oxley means that migrant and refugee families in our community can continue to share their language, culture and beliefs with their children and grandchildren,” he said.
“We also know that the younger someone starts learning a language, the easier it is for them to pick up, so that’s why we’ve made sure that this investment will help more schools open their doors to pre-schoolers, not just school-aged kids.”
The grants awarded to these institutions will facilitate upgrades necessary for accommodating more students, ensuring equitable access, enhancing online delivery mechanisms, and even enabling the establishment of new facilities.
