Language school celebrates anniversary
The School of Bhutanese Nepali Language and Culture SBNLC – formerly known as Bhutanese Ethnic Schools in South Australia celebrated its seventh year of establishment with cultural performances on Saturday.
The cultural performances were by school volunteers and children attending the school – items including dances, songs and deusi. The annual day celebration of the school is a function for Bhutanese community members in South Australia to celebrate Dashain-Tihar festival.
Chief guest of the programme, Education Minister of the State Government John Gardner, speaking at the function highlighted the role played by school in helping young children learn their culture and language. He said, cultural builds emotional attachment to building strong identity and speaking multiple language helps mental well-being.
Local State MP Zoe Bettison said children are leaders of future multiculturalism for which learning their language culture is important. She said learning tradition and culture of their parent’s homeland is very important to determine their identity in a multicultural community like Australia.
She said there are over 100 ethnic schools in South Australia in over 45 languages.
Established in 2012 and currently 170 student enrolled, SBNLC is run by 45 volunteers and supported by state government. SBNLC aims at making its language program inclusive by acknowledging diverse cultural values within the community and helping to engage children in observing, participating and celebrating diverse cultures and thereby developing a cultural tolerance in them.
