Media Releases

9 July 2005

KangGURU Radio English Announces New Contract

Popular English-language radio program - KangGURU Radio English (KGRE) is set to stay on air for another five years - thanks to Australia's decision to continue funding for a further five years.

Started in 1989 at the request of the Indonesian Government and funded by the Australian government - this superb weekly English radio program broadcasts a wide variety of information using pre-intermediate levels of English. It is broadcast by over 90 radio stations throughout Indonesia. Its well-known magazine and website are also popular - as is the ever growing KangGURU Connection Club network which now has 53 clubs and more than 3000 members. The new contract will allow the program to continue and expand its activities to 2007.

Speaking at the launch of KangGURU in Bali, the Deputy Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Peter Rowe said, "Traveling around Indonesia I am struck by the great thirst for English-language training as well as a real fascination with all things Australian. This excellent radio station cleverly combines the two and is providing a very real contribution to improving the English fluency of a new generation of Indonesians."

A main aim of the KangGURU radio program is to contribute to positive Australia-Indonesian relations by improving cross-cultural understanding. It also has a strong focus on development issues and helps promote how AusAID's work can be of benefit to local Indonesian communities.

As many Indonesian schools and teachers use the KangGURU radio program as a resource in their classroom, KangGuru now has produced quality listening and reading materials for use by teachers and students of English. Over 15,000 readers receive free copies of the KangGuru magazine three times a year. The magazines are also sent to more than 800 educational institutions across Indonesia. To find out how to tune in and listen to the program, become a club member, or if you are an English-language teacher access the free resources: log on to www.kangguru.org or call KGRE in Bali on (62-361) 225243 or email to kangguru@ialf.edu.

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