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Gujarati Classes by Jayanaben Shah
Student 1: That was a hard test. I wish I had started the Gujarati class when you did. Then I would be able to read and write like you. Student 2: Yes, that's true. Now I am glad my parents pursued me to come here ten years ago.
When parents hear words like these, one can be proud that we are passing on our culture, our language, and our heritage to our children. When teachers hear words like these, one can be proud that slowly but surely, we are making a difference in these students' lives.
These classes were pioneered ten years ago when the Jain Center first opened by Gitaben Shah and Shardaben Turakhia (Ba). The vision at the time was to give our children, who were born and raised in the United States, an opportunity to learn our language and communicate with their elders. In the last ten years, we have seen them not only accomplishing these goals, but also learning and enjoying a little of our history, culture, and rituals. Coming to the Jain Center has given them the feeling of belonging to something that they can inherit from their parents and can pass on to their own children.
Not only have Gujarati classes exceeded their goals, but they have grown from one class - two teachers, and 15 students to eight different classes, 16 teachers and over 225 students. The classes include: Beginner I and II; Intermediate ! and Il; Advanced I, II, and Ill; and Conversational.
The Conversational class is just an example of how we create new classes depending on the needs of the children. Since there were some teenagers who were interested in learning conversational skills, this class was started. Advanced III is another class which does not focus only on reading and writing. In fact, we teach them more about Gujarati culture, such as the significance of different festivals, the Indian national anthem, and our costumes.
All in all, the Gujarati classes have been a huge success and will continue getting better with continual support.
I try to be positive always. When I hear my parents say something I do as I'm told.
- Akash Shah (11)
Jain Education Intemational
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