MELBOURNE: At a time when there is a debate in Karnataka over teaching Kannada mandatorily in schools, government schools in Melbourne, Australia, are already teaching the language to their students. There’s more to it: Students there can even opt for Kannada as the second language for their Class 12 board examination.
For the first time, schools run by the Victoria Government in Australia are teaching Kannada, starting this year. It is being implemented through Victoria School of Languages (VSL), Melbourne. The Melbourne Kannada Sangha had submitted a report to the VSL, requesting them to introduce Kannada as an optional language in government schools. Considering the report and the number of Kannadigas living in Melbourne, the VSL implemented it from January this year. Since then, classes have been running on a weekly basis and conducted during weekends for three hours at a stretch.
For now, Kannadigas working there are teaching students and are being paid by the government. Vasan Srinivasan, member of Australian Multicultural Council, said, “Schools here have an option to opt for any international language as a second language. This year, they introduced Kannada as one of the Indian languages to be taught in schools. Textbooks from K’taka: P5
The teaching materials, including text books, are airlifted from Karnataka to Australia, said Srirangan Kanzal, a healthcare professional. “The language is taught in three levels. For beginners, we teach basics like Varnamale (alphabets). For those who already know the basics, the syllabus will be upgraded,” he said.
“Initially, we use the translation method (English to Kannada) to familiarise them with the language. Later, we teach them to read and write. Now, we are teaching them Kannada rhymes,” Kanzal added. “As there are no examins till Class 12 here, students can pick any language. If they are confident of scoring good marks, they can opt for any international language as second language for the Class 12 board exam,” said Vasan Srinivasan, member of Australian Multicultural Council.
Telugu to be introduced next
The Indian Association in Australia is trying to bring in Telugu in schools as well. “We are soon going to approach the VSL to introduce Telugu as there is a considerable population which speaks Telugu here,” said Vasan. As of now, there are over 55 international languages recognised by the VSL, available for the students to study in their school.
(This correspondent is in Melbourne on Australian government’s invitation).
