Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was proud to host International Mother Language Day celebrations in my office last Wednesday. This gathering brought together representatives from community language schools that engage with my electorate, each of which contributes to the richness of our nation with its own unique tone. The event was an opportunity to acknowledge the crucial role these schools play in preserving and promoting the many languages besides English that are spoken in my electorate—all 161 of them.

Community language schools provide a space where new and future generations can connect with their language, nurture their cultural identity and foster a sense of belonging. I would like to thank the following schools for making this event a grand success: Andisha Community Language School; Cranbourne Gyanjyoti Pathsala; Payam Dari language school; the Macedonian Teachers Association of Victoria; Sankalp-Ek Nishchay Marathi school; VSL Kannada school; VTA Tamil School; and Zimbabwe Community in Australia Victoria. I commend the staff and volunteers who dedicate their efforts so that future generations can connect with their roots and maintain a strong connection to their cultural heritage.