A new round of Government funding has enabled a further 63 schools to add Asian language classes to their curriculum. This takes the number of New Zealand schools offering Mandarin, Japanese or Korean to 203.
A total of $10 million was set aside by the Government in 2014 to provide two contestable funding rounds that would increase Asian language programs in schools. In the latest round, $2.36 million was provided to 63 schools that applied.
“Languages are an important tool for our young people to have as they venture out into the world,” says education minister Hekia Parata.
“I’m pleased to say that even more students will now have the opportunity to learn an Asian language, thanks to the Asian Language Learning in Schools (ALLiS) fund.
“Overall there are now 203 schools from Southland to Tai Tokerau receiving support for Asian language programs. The benefits that students get from these programs will help them thrive in a global economy.
“I’m really impressed by the way schools are working together to share resources and teaching skills. Many are establishing links with language and cultural organisations helping them to get the most out of the program.”
