The program will offer children up to the age of five the opportunity to learn a language other than English through reading, with the aid of a facilitator. The proposed sessions would run for 45 minutes, offering families the unique opportunity to engage children and grandchildren in their native languages in a new and innovative way.
Community organisations, language schools and councils will be able to apply for grants of up to 25-thousand-dollars to facilitate their delivery of the program.
A deeply diverse, multi-cultural state, Victoria boasts communities from over 200 countries, who speak 260 languages ― with this initiative, the Andrews government hopes to champion the strengthening of connection to language and culture through the power of storytelling.
“Multiculturalism is our state’s greatest gift ― and we must continue to invest in the many languages, faiths and cultures that have made a home here in Victoria,” Andrews said of the program.
“Storytelling is a powerful way to strengthen the connection young children have to their communities, their families, and their identities, and Labor is proud to support our multicultural communities, each and every day.”
Labor Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous cited the merit of her own connection to her family’s native tongue when espousing the program’s potential:
“I was fortunate enough to grow up in a community that valued the importance of passing down the rich heritage of our language. It’s an important part of who I am, and today’s announcement will ensure it is an important part of communities for many years to come.”
This news arrives with the Victorian state election fast approaching, with voters set to flock to the polls in just under a month, on Saturday November 26.
