Hindi School plans charity concert

The Waitakere Hindi Language School will conduct its Children’s Charity Concert on May 22 at the Baptist Church Hall in Te Atatu.

The concert accords the students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and talents, while simultaneously raising funds for the school.

The annual event has become a major source of entertainment for the Waitakere Indian community, as it is organised and hosted by the students.

The Waitakere Indian Association established the School in 2001 with 12 students.  From this modest beginning, it has grown to account for 70 students taught by six teachers. Entry is open to children aged five and above.

The School, run by the PTA committee teaches not only Hindi, but also Tabla,  Harmonium and Indian dance classes.

Classes are held on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm at the Henderson Intermediate School (70 Lincoln Road) in Henderson.

As a registered charitable organisation, the School provides free services to WIA members, aiming to promote and develop primary skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The School developed a new curriculum this year, incorporating the New Zealand environment and Kiwi style of teaching and learning.

The curriculum provides for proper interaction between the students and teachers to enhance learning and teaching styles.

It is gratifying that the School has developed weekly learning outcomes for each class to enable students to enhance their learning at home, with the involvement of their parents. Hindi as a Second Language was introduced in 2008 to cater to Non-Hindi speaking students.

We hope that learning Hindi will give our young men and women an insight to our culture and heritage, leading them to understand and appreciate Indian culture better, along with its diversity, vitality and richness.

Further information about the School can be obtained from School Secretary Saten Sharma on (09) 8348250 or 021-686357. On the web: www.wia.co.nz

Manoj Tahal is the President of the Waitakere Indian Association, which owns and operates the Waitakere Hindi Language School.