Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week I hosted an International Mother Language Day high tea. I was joined by representatives from language schools right across Holt. They are dedicated people who give their time, often as volunteers, to keep culture, identity and heritage alive in our community. In Holt, 165 beautiful languages are spoken. This diversity is our greatest strength. But language is more than just words. It carries our stories, our history and our deep sense of belonging.

On a personal note, as I raise my son Ilija, I want him to grow up connected to his heritage. That's why I hope he will learn not only English but also Singhalese, and, from his father's side, Macedonian. The work of our local language schools make this possible for families like mine. I would like to thank the following schools for making this event a grand success: VTA Tamil School, Gyan Jyoti Pathsala Cranbourne, Sunkalp-Ek Nischay, Sada Virsa Punjabi School, Bal Chautari Lynbrook, Dhamma Sarana Temple, VSL Kannada, Hindi Shiksha Sung, Bharathi Academy and Andisha Community Language School. Thank you for all the work that you do.

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