Language Ambassadors highlight the benefits of speaking a second language

Some of Australias most outstanding language students have taken part in the 2016 Young Language Ambassadors conference at James Cook University in Townsville, North Queensland.More than 200 students from Years 5 to 12, and their language teachers, attended the conference that had the theme Inspiring Others: The Languages of Leadership.It was organised by James Cook Universitys College of Arts, Society and Education.The conference aimed at increasing student retention in languages and contribute to the government priority of having at least 40% of Year 12 students graduating high school with a second language by 2020.The young ambassadors heard from inspiring speakers including a former refugee from the Congo, Innocent Rwamuhizi.Innocent spent 14 years in a refugee camp and is now in the final year of his degree in Social Work at JCU. He spoke with Martin Kwakwa.

Innocent Rwamuhizi (c) with some of the language ambassadors

The Young Language Ambassador program involves more than 40 schools across North Queensland. It is a collaboration between JCU and language teachers and is funded by the Department of Education and Training.