National Asian Languages & Studies in Schools

The Australian Government has committed funding of $62.4 million over 2008–09 to 2011–12 for the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP) to increase opportunities for school students to become familiar with the languages and cultures of our Asian neighbours, namely China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

This commitment recognises the importance of Asian languages and studies of Asia in ensuring young Australians are equipped with the skills to allow them to compete in the globalised economy of the future.

Program Objectives
The objective of the NALSSP is to significantly increase the number of Australian students becoming proficient at learning the languages and understanding the cultures of our Asian neighbours — China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. It also aims to increase the number of qualified Asian language teachers and develop a specialist curriculum for advanced language students.

The $62.4 million funding over four years will include support for:

• additional Asian languages classes in high schools
• teacher training and support
• the development of specialist curriculum for students who display advanced abilities in Asian languages and studies programs.

Contact: Program Adviser, Linda Wright (E wrightl@ais.sa.edu.au Ph 8179 1420).