Parents who are keen to pass on their native language to their children are invited to a free seminar, ‘Mother tongue - keep native language going with kids’, organised by Settlement Support - Whangarei.
Updated:
18/05/2011 12:36 p.m.
The seminar will be held Thursday 26 May from 11am to noon at the Whangarei Migrant Centre, 71 Bank Street.
“Many migrants want their children to be bi-lingual. It can be difficult to achieve when you and your children don’t hear your native language reflected in society and when the children of migrant parents just want to fit in and be ‘Kiwis’,” says Ellen Altshuler, Settlement Support Coordinator.
This one hour seminar will give encouragement and tips for parents of bi-lingual children. Facilitator, Wong Liu Shueng of Intercultural Works will share her wide knowledge in how to maintain one’s own values and culture while reflecting and drawing on both cultures.
“Learning a second language at an early age has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child's mental development. There are only benefits in being bi-lingual, but it requires a conscious effort for parents and children. Several migrant groups in Whangarei are now offering language classes for children of migrant parents. Classes include Mandarin, Dutch, Korean and Singhalese. With this workshop we hope to encourage parents to continue passing on their native language,” says Ellen Altshuler.
For information and to register, phone Ellen Altshuler, Settlement Support Coordinator, on 470 3056 or email ssnzwhangarei@wdc.govt.nz.
Settlement Support – Whangarei is a free information and referral service for migrants and newcomers to help them settle into the Whangarei community. The service is based at the Municipal Building, 71 Bank Street. This seminar is one of a series of free information seminars offered by Settlement Support.