[Greens-Media] Languages in schools

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT GREENS MLA DEB FOSKEY MEDIA RELEASE
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13 Feb 08


Languages

ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey is calling for a stronger commitment to
language learning in the ACT.

"The lively presence of the National Multicultural Festival paints
Canberra as a city that celebrates the value of diversity in our
community" Dr Foskey said today.

"But the drift away from languages in our schools suggests that while we
are happy to enjoy food, drink and entertainment from around the world
we're unable to really connect with people we think are not like us."

"This is year is the United Nations Year of Languages. I am moving a
motion in the Assembly today calling on the ACT Government to
substantially increase its investment in effective language teaching in
schools."  

"It is time to take a more open approach to our place with others in the
world."

"Whoever we are, we need to engage with and learn from other languages
and cultures. Being able to speak another language is one of the best
ways to help children to be and think differently. That's why learning
languages at school is so important."

"The ACT's new curriculum framework doesn't make that commitment to our
children. The motion I am moving in the Assembly today asks the ACT
Government to do so" Dr Foskey said. 


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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
==== www.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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