SURREY – Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA Canada) held its annual general meeting on Monday, June 11(from 7:15 to 8:35 PM). In addition to the regular business of the Association, members also discussed plans for the future. It was agreed that PLEA should continue to encourage parents and students to ask for Punjabi classes wherever the numbers warrant. Places like Surrey, Abbotsford, Richmond and Burnaby have a number of schools where it is possible to have Punjabi classes provided enough students and parents take interest. PLEA will be spearheading this campaign beginning in September 2012 when a new school year gets under way.
It was reported that despite PLEA’s efforts in Richmond, due to lack of suitable numbers, Punjabi classes couldn’t be offered at the school level. However, with the co-operation of India Cultural Centre (# 5 Road Gurdwara) about 100 students from ages five up have signed up for Punjabi classes. At present six classes are in operation at the Nanak Niwas Gurdwara from 2 PM to 5 PM every Sunday afternoon.
A report highlighting the year’s activities was shared with the members. Also, the members were informed about the financial situation of the Association.
Members decided to hold a Punjabi function tentatively on Sunday, October 28 in Surrey. Also, there is a possibility of a fundraiser being held by PLEA tentatively for Thursday, July26. Members will discuss both of these items at heir next meeting scheduled for Monday, July2 at 7 PM in Surrey. The following persons were elected by acclamation as officers and directors of PLEA for 2012-2013:
President: Balwant Sanghera
Vice-President:Sadhu Binning
Secretary:Parvinder Dhariwal
Treasurer: Paul Binning
Directors: Rajinder Pandher, Sukhwant Hundal, Ranbir Johal, Raminderjit Dhami, Harmohanjit Pandher, Sukhi Bains
