Students at Casimir Catholic College and Ferncourt Public School, both in Marrickville, will have an opportunity to better connect with Asian culture and languages with grants announced today from the Federal Government’s Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools outreach program.

Casimir Catholic College will receive $20,000 for its Nihongo o benkyoo shimashoo - let's all study Japanese program while Ferncourt Public School will receive $18,000 for its Indonesia arts in action program.

Labor Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese congratulated both schools and said the increased knowledge and understanding of Asian languages and cultures will be a huge advantage for students at both schools.

“Australia’s future is in Asia so it’s important that today’s children are ready to take advantage of the opportunities in our region,” said Mr Albanese.

The Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools is a key element of the $62.4 million National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP).

NALSSP aims to significantly increase the number of young Australians studying the languages and cultures of China, Indonesian, Japan and Korea.

122 projects, representing 191 schools across all states and territories, will receive funding to promote the teaching and learning of Asian languages and studies of Asia in their schools.

Further information is available at: www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/NALSSP