|
|
|
|
|
|
Media Release
$90 MILLION FOR THE STUDY OF ASIAN LANGUAGES
11 May 1999
Australia’s links to our key regional neighbours were further supported today with the announcement of continued funding for the study of Asian languages in schools by the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David Kemp. "Additional funding of $90 million over the next three years to 2002 has been provided to continue the National Asian Languages and Studies in Australian Schools (NALSAS) Strategy," said Dr Kemp. "Through this measure the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the study of Asian languages and Asian studies in Australian schools in this 1999-2000 Budget. "By developing students’ understanding of Asian languages and cultures through NALSAS, our workforce of tomorrow will be better placed to participate in the global economy." The NALSAS Strategy was introduced in response to a 1994 report to the Council of Australian Governments. While integrating Asian studies throughout the curriculum, it focuses on learning the languages of our key trading partners such as China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. There have already been substantial achievements in enhancing and expanding the study of NALSAS target languages. Between 1994 and 1997 the number of students studying Japanese increased by over 50,000, the number studying Chinese by some 20,000 and the number studying Indonesian by over 100,000. Japanese is the language most widely studied by school students preparing for Year 12 assessment. Since the introduction of NALSAS in 1994-95, over $117 million has been provided to support the study of Asian languages and studies of Asia. "While these are significant achievements we need to consolidate and build on these successes. It is important that students and teachers continue to acquire sound skills and positive educational outcomes," said Dr Kemp. Media contact: Samantha Herron 0412 639 754 or 02 6277 7460
|
|||
|
contact
details | search |
archive search | publications
| site map | subscribe Any comments or queries should be sent to: wwweditor@dest.gov.au This page was
last updated on
Monday, 25 April 2005
|
