The Australia-China BRIDGE program was officially launched in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China in September. Six Australian schools from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory were paired with six schools in Wuhou District.
The Australia–China BRIDGE School Partnerships Project supports Chinese language learning and Chinese studies in Australian schools, by connecting Australian teachers, students and school communities with their counterparts across China.
The program was launched at Chengdu Hongzzhuan Xilu Primary School. Mr. Yang Jiande, Vice Governor of Wuhou District, delivered a welcome speech, followed by an address by Ms Nancy Gordon, Consul General of the Australian Consulate in Chengdu.
To date 42 school partnerships involving 86 teachers have been established between schools in Australia and China including Chaoyang District, Beijing and Shandong Province.
The BRIDGE project includes a reciprocal professional learning programme for teachers in Australia and China (10 days in each country), which builds intercultural understanding, supports language learning and strengthens ICT capacity amongst primary and secondary school teachers.
Find out more about AEF BRIDGE school partnerships throughout the Asia region.