Consul General Adriano Stendardo and Minister of Education John Gardner signed the MoU at Valley View Secondary School in Para Vista, in the presence of Year 8 and 9 Italian students from the reinvigorated Italian program at the school.
The MoU will see professional learning support for teachers to enhance existing programs, as well as more opportunities for students to understand and explore career pathways that are available to Italian language learners.
It also aims to see Italian language teaching assistants working across more schools and the development of more meaningful sister school relationships between South Australia and Italy.
“This agreement honours the rich cultural connection between South Australia and Italy, and enhances the teaching of languages, particularly in public schools,” Gardner said.
“The Italian culture is woven into the fabric of South Australia and today’s agreement will encourage more students to add a strand to that fabric by exploring the wonderful Italian language.”
Stendardo said the MoU supports the mutual commitment of Italy and South Australia to promoting the teaching of the Italian language in the state.
“[The MoU] lays the foundations for positive developments to be achieved over the next few years,” he added.
“The Italian language offers valuable opportunities for professional and cultural growth.
“The MoU is an important tool for supporting the teaching, studying and dissemination of the Italian language in South Australia, in a framework of collaboration with local institutions.”
