Language learning ‘promotes harmony’ |04 December 2008

 
Mr Kennedy addressing the gathering during the prizegiving ceremony

The event was organised by the Seychelles Tamil Cultural Development Centre (STCDC) at the International School, Mont Fleuri, on October 23.

It marked the end of the first year when almost 50 children, divided into four groups, sat their exam in Tamil and came out with success, winning a number of awards for their competence.

G. Sivashanmugampillay, chairman of the STCDC, welcomed chief guest Mr Kennedy and thanked him for allowing the school’s classrooms to be used to help the children achieve such success in learning Tamil.

“Education for all is our policy and we are keen to promote the study of as many languages as possible, because proficiency in languages promotes better understanding and harmony in the world,” said Mr Kennedy.

“Seychelles being a multicultural and multilingual country, the STCDC should be congratulated for taking a bold step in the right direction. It is gratifying to note that with the help of voluntary teachers, many children have won trophies and prizes for their high attainments.”

V. Sivasupramaniam, coordinator of programmes, explained the strengths and weaknesses of the children’s work and stressed the importance of parental care, involvement and interest to enhance learning habits.

He also spoke of the need for an educational environment and a school situation to further promote language learning according to modern language learning techniques.