Now Offering Punjabi Language Classes For Ages 5-15
By Balwant Sanghera
India Cultural Centre of Canada’s Nanak Niwas Gurdwara (aka #5 Road Gurdwara) has become a hub of activity for the community. Located (at 8600 #5 Road) centrally along the Highway to Heaven, this place of worship has been serving the South Asian community for more than 25 years. In addition to being a favourite place for weddings, this “House of God” also serves as a centre for yoga and Chai Chaupal. People of all ages enjoy attending variety of activities designed to fulfill their physical, social as well as spiritual needs. This Gurdwara has now become home to another program designed to help our children connect with their roots.
Not long ago, Punjabi classes were offered at two of Richmond’s high schools-Cambie and McNair.However, due to declining enrollment, these classes had to be discontinued. Efforts are still under way to get Punjabi classes back in some of the public schools in Richmond. For this, we need co-operation from both students and parents. In the meantime, thanks to the management of India Cultural Centre of Canada, Punjabi classes were started at the Gurdwara on April 29. The response from parents was very encouraging as more than one hundred students ranging in age from 5 to 15 were registered for the Punjabi classes. These classes will get under way again on Sunday, September 9. The main purpose of these classes is to help children learn to read, write and speak Punjabi and become more aware about their heritage.
For the convenience of parents and children there will be three one-hour classes- 2PM to 3 PM, 3PM to 4 PM, and 4 PM to 5PM staring on Sunday, September 9. Most of the previously registered children and parents already know the timing of their classes. They are requested to arrive at the Gurdwara a few minutes before the child’s class time. Gurdwara’s phone # is 604-274-7479. For further information, parents can phone the Gurdwara or contact me at 604-836-8976. Thank you.
Balwant Sanghera is the President, Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA Canada).
Comments are closed.