Victorian public schools have begun introducing new Hindi and Punjabi language programs this term, with 18 teachers entering classrooms following targeted training backed by the state government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the teachers are the first graduates of a dedicated Languages Methodology Course developed at Monash University. The one-year course is designed to prepare educators to deliver structured Hindi and Punjabi language instruction in schools.
The initiative is supported by a $150,000 investment that funded scholarships for the cohort. The program forms part of a broader push to expand language education across Victoria’s public school system.
“The efforts of this talented group of teachers will strengthen intercultural connections in our schools,” Mr Carroll said.
Education authorities say demand for Hindi and Punjabi has grown alongside Victoria’s changing population profile. Census data shows more than 170,000 residents in the state speak the two languages, reflecting the expansion of the Indian-Australian community, particularly across Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
Three public schools have been identified as key centres for senior secondary language delivery. Alkira Secondary College in Cranbourne North and Wyndham Central College in Werribee are offering Hindi at VCE level, while Mount Ridley P-12 College in Craigieburn is delivering Punjabi. These schools are also expected to provide teaching support and resources to other campuses introducing similar programs.
Officials say expanding access to language education helps students maintain connections with cultural heritage while improving literacy and communication outcomes in English and other subjects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the teachers are the first graduates of a dedicated Languages Methodology Course developed at Monash University
Mr Carroll said the government is also preparing a broader pipeline of language teachers through a four-year scholarship program, set to begin in Semester 2 this year. The initiative will allow more educators to upgrade qualifications and specialise in language teaching.
“We’re making sure we have teachers who can meet the growing demand for Hindi and Punjabi teachers in Victorian schools,” he said.
The rollout sits within a wider investment in public education, with the state allocating $38.6 billion to schools as part of its current funding plan.
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