Over four years $4 million will be invested in community language schools in South Australia, after the State Government announced the release of the second instalment of funding to community language schools.

In 2022-23, an additional $537,666 will be invested to support the growth and development of community language schools and encourage the growth of a bilingual community in South Australia.

The State Government acknowledges how important it is for children and young people in South Australia to remain connected to their community and culture and to be encouraged to celebrate and proudly share their heritage, language and traditions with others.

It is also vital that children and young people in community language school classrooms have a safe, stable environment in which to learn and grow.

That is why, as part of this second instalment of funding, the State Government will provide $214,903 over the next 12 months to support government and non-government schools that host the community language schools.

This contribution will supplement funding the Department for Education already provides to State Government schools that host community language schools.

For the first time, through Community Language Schools SA, the funding will also be distributed to Catholic and independent schools that host the community language schools.

All community language schools operate in traditional classroom environment with some renting spaces in churches, community halls or other premises. To alleviate cost pressures for the next 12 months, $96,850 will be invested in rental assistance to these community language schools.

Community Language Schools SA and the Department for Education will continue to work behind the scenes to transition these community language schools out of their rental spaces into a more permanent arrangement, either at a nearby school or other suitable premises.

Each of the community language schools will also receive a share of $225,913 in needs-based funding, for classroom learning materials and equipment, excursions, and in-class activities.

This brings the total investment of this project to $1,002,666 in its first year.