BC NDP candidates for Surrey North Rachna Singh and Surrey-Fleetwood Jagrup Brar have announced that if re-elected, the BC NDP will partner with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to create a role for a Punjabi language and Pedagogy professor.
“It’s extremely important for our local universities to have ties with the community they’re in,” said Singh. “They need to reflect the students that they’re teaching and set young people up for success. Especially since we’ll be opening a new medical school here in Surrey – bringing more soon-to-be doctors from far and wide.”
Establishing a Professorship in Punjabi Language and Pedagogy will ensure that Punjabi language learning becomes an integral part of SFU’s curriculum, actively contributing to Punjabi language and cultural heritage preservation.
“SFU is about to grow, a lot like Surrey has been doing, and with that comes new challenges and opportunities,” said Brar. “Right now, we have a chance to pass down our knowledge, culture and language to the younger generation – which is exactly what we plan to do. The BC NDP is giving students the tools they need to learn by creating a Punjabi language and Pedagogy professor.”
“I’m thrilled to see that the BC NDP are moving forward with creating this role,” said Kan Sandhu, Founding Member and Past President of ICBABC and coordinator for SFU’S Punjabi Language Program. “SFU has a diverse curriculum, and enhancing this curriculum will improve the student experience for students of all backgrounds. This decision will have long-lasting positive impacts for the student body and Indo-Canadian communities across B.C.”
BC NDP to partner with Simon Fraser University and community organizations to enhance Punjabi language and culture
