INNAUGURATION OF ASSAMESE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGE AND PERFORMING ARTS – Reported by Hady Rahman
It was -32 °C degrees Celsius outside with snow and flurries making it white and cold. But amidst this, more than 25 people decided to attend the opening ceremony of “The School of Assamese Language and Performing Arts”. The school was formally inaugurated by Mr. Manmeet Bullar, honourable MLA of Calgary on February 6, 2011 at the Scandinavian Cultural Society Centre, Calgary, Alberta.
The objective of the school is to provide education in the native language of Assam and its performing arts to the new generation of Assamese Albertans. This kind of cultural education will encourage multiculturalism which in itself is the backbone and essence of the Canadian society.
The school will be run by AAA and the teachers will be volunteers from the association. An establishment of this kind will provide the much needed environment for our children to learn their native language and about the rich culture and heritage of Assam. In a predominately global society it is very important for our children to maintain their identity while integrating into the larger Canadian society. Identity can be maintained only when the new generation is aware and knowledgeable of their unique culture and heritage. The first learning session of the school will commence on February 20, 2011 at the Scandinavian Cultural Society Centre, Calgary, Alberta. Regular classes thereafter will be held every fortnight for 2 hrs in the weekends.
AAA highly appreciates Mr. Manmeet Bullar for his efforts and personal involvement in establishing the school. In late September 2010, at an AAA function, Mr. Bullar was appraised about the necessity of a language and performing arts school for the Assamese community. Within a period of about three and a half months with the Government grant the school has now become a reality. (may be removed and some more about the school could be added
This school in Calgary is first of its kind school in Canada that will be providing comprehensive and high-quality teaching in Assamese language. We are aiming to provide a well-equipped classroom, a library, audiovisual material.
So far there are around 10 regular students attending our class with 2 volunteering teachers like Aswini Sarma and Malika Rahman. ADD some more to cover the page. Class materials available online at https://www.assamassociationalberta.com/.