International Languages Week

International Languages Week, 15 – 21 August 2010

Languages Can Take You Places….in every sense of the word.

That was the message of the first ever International Languages Week in 2003, and it is even more applicable today. Languages are important, they will enrich your life, they will boost your career prospects, and they are fun. But too few New Zealanders speak them… and too many think that English is the only language they will ever need. It’s time for a language revolution!

Check out the International Languages week website (http://www.international-languages-week.org.nz) for information about the Week this year. The ILW website includes a page of lively key messages about the benefit of learning an international language.

The Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language offers grants of up to $150 to schools mounting Japan specific events during the week. Activities in the past have included sumo, haiku and calligraphy competitions and displays, kimono wearing, Japanese food classes, cafes and displays, displays at local libraries, Japanese dance demonstrations, etc.

To find out more, click here for the application form.

See below for reports, photos and ideas from schools which have run Japan activities during ILW.

> Ashburton College 2008
> Ashburton College 2009
> Bayfield High School
> Carncot Independent School for Girls 2009
> Edgewater College
> Green Bay High School
> Iona College
> James Hargest College 2008
> James Hargest College 2009
> John Paul II High School 2009
> Karori Normal School
> Manurewa High School
> Raphael House Rudolph Steiner School 2008
> Raphael House Rudolph Steiner School 2009
> St Margarets College 2009