Students in Eastern Kings will have access to French first language education in their community beginning in 2004, Education Minister Chester Gillan announced today.
The minister advised that the establishment of the new program will have educational, cultural and economic benefits for the Eastern Kings Region. "For the first time, Eastern Kings students will be able to receive French first language education in their own community, and with the addition of this new program, French first language education will now be available in most regions of our province. This is in keeping with government‘s commitment to strengthen the Acadian and Francophone culture in Prince Edward Island, and enhance the delivery of programs and services in both official languages," said Minister Gillan.
The new program is also expected to have economic benefits for the region. "With increasing demand for bilingual services in Eastern Kings, the new program will enable more bilingual positions to be filled by local students and residents. By providing more educational options and bilingual services, we also hope to encourage more families to relocate to the area," he said.
The provincial government's decision to establish the new program is in response to a proposal received from the French Language School Board in May 2003 to establish a multi-age program for students in grades one through nine in the Souris area.
The program will begin in September 2004 to allow for an adequate financial planning process. "As well as annual budget planning, the final planning phase will include staff recruitment, procurement of an existing facility, and further discussions with the French Language School Board, the Eastern School District, educational and community partners," Minister Gillan said.
To date, at least 42 students have expressed interest to the Board in registering for the program.