Launch of project reviving language and culture
12 Feb 2008 | Renee Criddle
In the Illawarra region there are 24 Community Language Schools catering for over 600 children in more than 17 languages – Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Serbian and Macedonian, just to name a few.
The importance of learning other languages is becoming increasingly evident, and being highlighted by people in senior positions such as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who speaks fluent Chinese and is always eager to talk (in Mandarin!) about his life as a diplomat in China, his love for the booming country, and his family's close ties to the region.
An innovative new project associated with these Community Language Schools building on the languages and cultures in the region will be launched tomorrow (Wednesday 13 February) by Minister for Fair Trading, Youth and Volunteering, the Hon. Linda Burney MP.
The project will involve the development and sharing of skills, resources and expertise between Faculty of Education staff and students from the University of Wollongong and community school teachers through a series of workshops. The project is being headed by UOW’s Dr Ken Cruickshank and Lisa Kervin.
“We ran a training course for the teachers and was they who asked for this year’s project,” said Dr Cruickshank. “Two UOW students are ‘attached’ to each language school and discuss with teachers the development of materials for the teaching of language and culture which are relevant to the children’s needs and interest, and which reflect good teaching practice. Students set up a ‘mobile classroom’ along with a range of classroom materials. They have developed ‘big books’ and so many other resources in different languages.”
Community Language Schools began in Australia in 1839 and the oldest continuing school in Australia began in 1899. The schools have always been established and run by parents and community members and take place in day schools, churches or community centres on the weekend or on weekdays after school. The schools aim to develop children’s knowledge of their home language and culture.
“Although Australia is, and always has been, a multicultural/multilingual society, young children have tended to lose their home language and culture as they progress through the school system,” said Dr Cruickshank. “Our plan is to significantly improve resources and teaching for the children attending these schools, and also give our education students a chance to participate in a very rewarding project. Australian children with two languages and cultures are such a valuable resource to our country – we need to take advantage of these resources.”
When: The launch will take place on Wednesday 13 February at 5.15pm Where: Wollongong City Art Gallery
*Media please note: Tony Calanni and Jane Henry started the Cook Island Maori local language school this year. They are happy to speak to the media about their experiences and aim to develop a sense of pride and identity in the young people of their community by teaching them their language and culture. Teachers from the Maltese Community Language School and other schools are also available for interviews.
For further information: Contact Dr Ken Cruickshank on (02) 4221 5854 or 0437 273 046 (mob)
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