August 2009

Burning platform for Asia literacy

The 2009 AEF National Summit Asia Literacy For Every Young Australian website is now live.

Listen to notable speakers including Heather Ridout, CEO, Australian Industry Group in conversation with Ali Moore, Presenter, ABC TV's Lateline Business; Professor Yong Zhao, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University; Professor Barry McGaw, Chair, Australian Curriculum Assessment Reporting Authority; Professor Tony Milner AM, Basham Professor of Asian History, ANU; and others, expand on the global citizenry skills needed by all young Australians.

Go to http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/public_html/summit_may2009.htm

Australia Network's program Nexus aired three interviews from the 2009 AEF National Summit. Episode 27 Asia literacy featured Kathe Kirby, Executive Director, Episode 28 presented Senior Constable Maha Sukkar, Victorian Police, and Simon Barker, Jazz Percussionist specialising in Korean drumming appeared in Episode 30.

To view vodcasts go to http://australianetwork.com/nexus/episodes.htm

Two new initiatives to build demand for Asia literacy in schools

1. School-Business Asia Literacy Partnerships

School-Business Asia Literacy Partnerships is a new $1.2 million Federal Government initiative to be implemented by the AEF.

The project aims:

• Increase the Asia literacy of students in secondary schools through opportunities to link with business. The project will include business people visiting schools.
• Schools to provide real-world examples of how they have used their Asia skills in the workforce and school students, teachers and principals undertaking work shadowing in Asia engaged businesses.

The AEF is currently consulting with business and school educators to finalise the project design. The project will be launched ready for the 2010 school year.

2. The National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP)

The National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP) Strategic Partnership Program have funded the My Future: Asia Skills project led by the Australian Industry Group in partnership with Education.au and the Asia Education Foundation. The project will build information and resources concerning the need for Asia skills in a range of industries into Australia's premier careers information portal: http://www.myfuture.edu.au/ targeted at students and their families.

The Asia Education Foundation works with government and non-government school sectors in all states and territories, teacher education institutions and professional and parent associations to promote and support the studies of Asia across the curriculum in all Australian schools. This includes the provision of professional learning programs and the production of contemporary resources (Access Asia series). http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au

Contact us if you wish to learn more about the AEF's work or be taken off the AEF e-news
Phone: +61 3 8344 3590
Email: aef@asialink.unimelb.edu.au