- Minister for Education
The life-changing Victorian Young Leaders to Indonesia program will continue for another year thanks to a $545,000 Andrews Labor Government funding boost to provide immersive learning experiences for students.
The Minister for Education James Merlino made the announcement while observing the inaugural Victorian Young Leaders in action in Yogyakarta.
The funding will extend the Victorian Young Leaders to Indonesia program, which this year offers a six-week language and cultural overseas immersion program for 39 year 9 students and accompanying teachers.
This will give another 40 year 9 students and accompanying teachers the opportunity to take part in the six-week language and cultural overseas immersion program in 2020.
The Labor Government funding boost will also ensure rural, regional and low-SES students will have access to fully funded places in the program.
Indonesian language is taught at more Victorian government schools than any other language.
Students taking part in the program will attend a local school and visiting places of cultural significance. They will have the chance to form lifelong friendships and networks with their peers who live in Indonesia.
For students studying Indonesian, the immersive nature of the program significantly accelerates Indonesian language learning and abilities. The culturally rich program has a transformative impact on student learning and engagement, broadening possibilities for a future career in a globalised world.
Beyond study, students will explore the sights and sounds of Indonesia, encompassing both traditional and contemporary culture.
Mr Merlino also travelled Indonesia to meet with students, teachers and school leaders participating in the program.
The trip also included a visit to India to meet with students, teachers and school leaders participating in two other Labor Government programs: Victorian Young Leaders to India and Women in School Leadership.
Mr Merlino also visited Singapore to meet with principal and teacher associations to discuss best practice around training and support for teachers, as well as visit a high-rise school.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
"In an increasingly global world, the opportunity to learn from different schools in different countries is extremely important - that's why we are investing $545,000 to provide immersive learning experiences for students."
"Extending this program contributes to developing a generation of young Victorians with a deep understanding of our closest neighbour."
