Knowing two languages is a benefit in all aspects of life.
I would tend to agree. Most educated Europeans I know are fluent in several languages, and they begin learning them in elementary school, rather than waiting until high school as we do.
I don't see the problem with this - it's voluntary, so parents who don't like the program don't have to have their children participate, and since they are using a lottery system, they apparently anticipate more people wanting to participate than they currently have room for.
I know. What I was getting at was the clueless lady who was more worried about their self-esteem than the practical implications.