Memorandum signed to extend Portuguese in schools

Nuno Brito spoke to pupils about the benefits of developing their home language

A new memorandum of understanding has been signed that extends the provision of Portuguese lessons in Jersey schools.

Portuguese ambassador to the UK Nuno Brito signed the document on his first official visit to Jersey earlier this month.

He signed it on behalf of the Instituto Camões and it extends the lessons for another five years.

On a visit to Le Rocquier School with Deputy Rob Ward, the minister for education and lifelong learning, Mr Brito spoke to pupils about the benefits of developing language skills, the States of Jersey said.

The ambassador's visit "recognised Jersey's deep-rooted Portuguese heritage and reaffirmed cross-border engagement that seeks to improve the lives of Islanders", the States said.

Alongside cultural visits to Jersey Archives, Jersey War Tunnels and Mont Orgueil Castle, Mr Brito also had a community lunch at the Town Hall.

"This renewed agreement with Instituto Camões adds strength to our support for Portuguese language education in Jersey," Ward said.

"The scheme provides an opportunity for our youth to connect further with Portuguese heritage and culture and I thank the Instituto Camões for their continued role in facilitating it."