Language program for children in Wide Bay

October 9, 2019

Llew O’Brien MP for Wide Bay is encouraging local preschools to apply to run the Morrison Government’s play-based program that teaches young Australians a foreign language.

The $27.5 million Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program has already helped educate 110,000 children about foreign languages, across more than 3,500 preschools.

ELLA is a digital, play-based program that introduces young Australians to languages other than English. It can help teach 13 languages: Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Llew O’Brien said learning a second language would give students an educational advantage and broaden their horizons.

“ELLA supports children to explore other languages and cultures, inspiring them to continue learning in years to come,” Llew O’Brien said.

“Our Government is helping prepare students in Wide Bay for the future economy where having a second language will be an enormous benefit.

“Preschool educators don’t need any language training experience to run the ELLA program because extensive support material, offline games, learning resources, and a responsive helpdesk are all provided.

“I encourage preschool operators in Wide Bay to apply to run the ELLA program to introduce our children to the joy and challenge of learning a second language.”

The Coalition Government has already provided $11.8 million to expand ELLA into 300 schools for grades Foundation to Year 2. Visit www.ella.edu.au for more information, including eligibility criteria, device requirements and how to apply.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

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