Torrens University and CLSSA create language and culture hub in South Australia

21 February 2024 | Media Release

Torrens University Australia and Community Language Schools South Australia (CLSSA) have joined forces to create an innovative language learning hub, that aims to propel CLSSA to the forefront of language education and foster a vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity within South Australian communities.

With funding support from Multicultural Affairs in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, this partnership is aimed at propelling CLSSA to the forefront of language education across South Australia and fostering a vibrant tapestry of cultural diversity within our community.

Starting this trimester, Torrens University's Wakefield Street campus will transform into a dynamic and lively language Learning Hub every Saturday. This transformation allows community language schools to bring their classes, guided by the expertise of community language school educators, to the campus, creating a new epicentre for language education.

Torrens University’s Chief Marketing Officer and head of Industry Partnerships, Darryn Melrose said the exciting collaboration between the university and CLSSA represented a unique opportunity for both institutions to contribute to the cultural fabric of Adelaide while empowering students and the community through education.

“We are thrilled to partner with CLSSA to establish the Language Learning Hub at our Wakefield Street campus. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide accessible and quality education while fostering cultural diversity and community engagement,” said Mr Melrose.

“It offers our students studying the Bachelor of Community Services the opportunity to develop their cultural competence via internships and graduate opportunities with CLSSA and in turn we can offer CLSSA staff, students and volunteers higher education pathways that they can access to upskill and elevate their careers.

More than 9000 students attend Community Language Schools statewide, with 49 languages on offer. The schools are run almost entirely by 1500+ volunteers who donate their skills, time and passion to help students embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs said the South Australian Government was very pleased to see these outcomes yielded from its election commitment of $4 million over 4 years to strengthen our state’s community language schools.

“A key component of this funding is for Community Language Learning Hubs. This funding has already directly supported hubs established at TAFE locations in northern Adelaide, at Regency Park and Salisbury. These two sites have been operating since August 2023 and have seen seven community language schools set up classes from these locations, servicing over 200 students.

“Adding a central location, and partnering with Torrens University, is a vital step in supporting the growth and development of our community language schools to fulfil our election commitment to grow our bilingual community in the state,” said Ms Bettison.

“South Australia has a proud history of multiculturalism and not only do languages help connect our younger generations with our diverse communities, they also provide a competitive advantage in connecting our state with international trade markets.”

CLSSA Executive Officer Brett Shuttleworth said the ambitious initiative was a testament to a shared belief in the power of education.

“We are optimistic for the future of Language Learning Hubs across Greater Adelaide; they offer the opportunity to create intercultural learning experiences for the next generation of students. The Language Learning Hub create interconnectedness through a sense of belonging.” said Mr Shuttleworth.

“We are pleased to partner with Torrens University to create the Language Learning Hub, an intercultural space of enormous importance designed to create language pathways for South Australian children.”