Labor to increase funding for community language schools by $2.5 million per year
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Sophie Cotsis has reaffirmed NSW Labor’s commitment to increase funding for community language schools by $2.5 million per year.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Sophie restated NSW Labor’s plan to increase funding for students at community language schools from $75 to $200 per student.
The $2.5 million funding boost was taken by Labor to the 2015 State Election, and has not been matched by the Baird Government, said Ms Cotsis.
“NSW Labor strongly supports community language schools as they provide students an opportunity to learn a language other than English while connecting with their cultural heritage,” she added.
In 2010, the former NSW Labor Government doubled the funding available per student as part of an $8.1 million four year package.
“Community language schools are an important part of our vibrant multicultural society – they provide students with the opportunity to learn a second language and understand cultural traditions,” Ms Cotsis said.
“NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley and I recently visited Turkish and Arabic community language schools in the Auburn area and we saw how dynamic and enthusiastic these schools are,” she added.
“Labor was proud to double the funding available per student when we were in Government, and we are committed to increasing this funding even further to support community language schools, ” she said.
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