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Landmark education partnership with Indonesia

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Indonesian language students in South Australian Catholic schools will benefit from the extension of a landmark partnership between Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Canberra.

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The signing of an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see continued collaboration between both parties to support the learning and teaching of Bahasa Indonesian in Catholic schools and the teaching of the English language in Indonesia.

There are approximately 3300 students from Catholic schools in SA studying Indonesian across nine schools, with this number anticipated to increase over time.

The MoU extension affirms the commitment of both parties to encourage interest in Indonesian languages in Australia, cultural exchange and intercultural understanding. It also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and Indonesia.

Recently a party of nine guests, including the Consul General, Consulate General Republic of Indonesia, NSW, and the Attache of Education and Culture of the Indonesian Embassy Canberra, visited Cardijn College for the official signing ceremony.

On the same day students from the Galilee campus of Cardijn were able to take part in the ‘Indonesia Goes to School’ program. Supported by the Indonesian Consulate General, the program includes student workshops on Indonesian culture such as dance, cooking, music, martial arts, traditional Batik art and performance.

Mark Corrigan and Prof Mukhamad Najib – Attache of Education and Culture of the Indonesian Embassy Canberra.

The Indonesian Consul General, Sydney, Vedi Kurnia Buana said the updated MoU signified a joint commitment to support language learning and the promotion of Indonesian arts and culture in South Australian schools under the auspices of CESA.

“This MoU is also the basis for educational cooperation that benefits both parties, through professional learning opportunities, education and collaboration online, inter-school partnerships, exchanges of visits and various other activities.”

Acting director, School Quality and Performance, Mark Corrigan agreed: “With the extension of this collaboration, it is increasingly giving students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the language, culture, tradition, and daily life in Indonesia.”

The signing ceremony was enriched by guest speeches and the performance of Indonesian cultural arts by representatives of the Indonesian community.

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