Community-run language schools in Sutherland Shire will share in more than $5 million, extending their aim of promoting diversity from home to the classroom.
The NSW government has handed out the gift for the Community Language Schools Program, which provides funds to organisations to help establish and run language schools in the area.
Classes are run for pupils who come from non-English speaking backgrounds, to encourage them to maintain their heritage languages.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia will receive $36,000 to assist Greek language classes, including those at Tharawal Public School Illawong and St Stylianos Greek School Gymea.
St Stylianos parish priest, Constantine Varipatis, welcomes the funds.
Each Tuesday from the church, children have the opportunity to boost their Greek speaking and writing skills.
“We have about 150 kids, and to have families who want their children to be bi-lingual is quite significant in Australian society,” Father Varipatis said.
“Parents are taking the effort to deepen their children in language, and it is key for kids to discover their cultures.
“This funding is significant and we appreciate what the state government does because it enables us to have good teachers and train them, but parish communities also have to donate a lot towards financing these schools.”
Sutherland Shire Chinese Language School Miranda will receive $11,000.
German Saturday School Sydney, at Miranda and Grays Point, will get $7000. Both organisations run classes at Port Hacking High School.
The Saint George School of Russian Association will receive more than $2000 for its classes at The Jannali High School.
Miranda MP Eleni Petinos thanked the language schools for their work in building strong communities and respect for Australia’s diverse cultures.
“Community language schools are vital for young people to maintain strong links to their heritage and cultural identity,” she said.
“I’m proud to support the tireless and dedicated work of the staff and volunteers who provide the best language education for our community.”
Education Minister Rob Stokes says the government is dedicated to supporting education in all its forms.
“We treasure and celebrate the diversity of our multicultural NSW community,” he said.
“This is one way the NSW government can support that diversity.”
