The government has included the languages spoken by Taiwan’s new immigrants in its K-12 curriculum. That’s the word from Education Minister Wu Se-hua on Monday.
Wu was referring to Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese, the languages spoken by the majority of Taiwan’s new immigrants.
Speaking at a learning center for new immigrants in Taoyuan City, Wu said these language courses will be available to elementary school students, starting in 2018. That’s in addition to a number of other languages which are already part of the curriculum: Taiwanese, Hakka and the languages spoken by Taiwan’s aborigines.
Under the new curriculum, children of new immigrants will be able to choose Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese as electives. The courses will also be open to other students.
Wu said the education ministry is also mapping out a plan to help children of new immigrants make better use of their language skills, and preserve their cultural heritage. It will also help increase their competitiveness.
Wu said the plan will include volunteering opportunities, internships, and exchange programs.
“In all of our projects, young students who have second language abilities will be given priority when it comes to participating in international volunteer or international exchange programs under the Youth Development Administration," said Wu.
"What’s more, if they speak a second language, they will be given preference when they apply for [college or university].”