OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - New Catholic schools are born, enrollment increases

Melbourne (Agenzia Fides) - Thirteen new schools will be built in the north and west suburbs of Melbourne, in what will be the largest Catholic structure since the 70s. Schools are expected to be built in several villages inhabited by families. The 10 elementary schools and three junior schools will welcome between 5,000 and 8,000 students. The first to open next year will be in Epping North. This is a very exciting time for Catholic education. Since 2003, enrollment in the Catholic institutions has increased by 10%. In 2012, about 198 000 children attended them. It is a growing phenomenon in the last 6 years. In all Catholic institutions enrollment continues to increase, in Victoria there has been a 40% increase. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/12/2012)