Peden Hill Elementary in Prince George Launches After-School Punjabi Classes
'I really feel welcome here': Prince George elementary starts after-school Punjabi classes
Cbc
Image: Cbc
Peden Hill Elementary School in Prince George, British Columbia, has introduced an after-school Punjabi language program to foster cultural connections among students, staff, and families. The initiative, started by Principal Nicole Polhuis, aims to strengthen ties between students and their Punjabi heritage, responding to community demand for language preservation.
- 01The after-school Punjabi program began in April 2023 at Peden Hill Elementary.
- 02Principal Nicole Polhuis initiated the program in response to parents' concerns about cultural disconnection.
- 03The program has attracted a mix of fluent Punjabi speakers and beginners, including school staff.
- 04Community support has been strong, with hopes to expand the program to more grades next year.
- 05Students express excitement about learning Punjabi to connect with their grandparents.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Peden Hill Elementary School in Prince George, British Columbia, has launched an after-school Punjabi language program aimed at fostering inclusion and cultural connections among its diverse student body. Principal Nicole Polhuis created the initiative after parents expressed concerns about their children losing touch with their Punjabi heritage. With approximately 40% of the student population being Indo-Canadian, the program has seen enthusiastic participation since its start in April 2023. Classes are held weekly on Mondays and are led by Kamaljeet Saini, a fluent Punjabi speaker who recently moved from India. The program is designed for both fluent speakers and beginners, including school staff who are learning alongside the students. The community has shown strong support for the initiative, and Polhuis hopes to expand the program to include more grades next year, reflecting the collective desire for language preservation within the Sikh community in Prince George.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The program helps bridge the cultural gap between students and their grandparents, enhancing intergenerational communication within Punjabi families.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the introduction of more language programs in schools?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.