What does Sabdamala do?

Sabdamala is an educational institution incorporated in NSW. It runs Nepali Language Classes every Sunday from 10am to mid day at the Campsie Public School and Granville Public School.

Is there an age group for Sabdamala enrollments?

Sabdamala currently encourages enrollments from children aged 5 to 12. However, children slightly younger in age can also be enrolled as long as they are accompanied to the classes by a parent or guardian. Interested children slightly older in age will also be considered. The age group has been set up primarily for teaching and learning purposes.

What can I expect from Sabdamala?

Sabdamala is a weekly run community language school. So, one cannot expect their children to start speaking fluent Nepali after a term or two. A parent can, however, expect their children to be in an environment where Nepali is spoken and where Nepali is taught in a fun and interesting manner. Students will be exposed to Nepali values and will start initially through basics such as Nepalese alphabets, numbers and words and will then slowly progress into the reading, writing and comprehension of simple sentences. The maximum duration that a child would stay with Sabdamala is expected to be 7 years (children aged 5 to 12 are currently enrolled). During this period, they are expected to be able to read, write and speak Nepali fluently at a basic level. As the classes are only for 2 hours, it is expected that parents will take the initiative to actively engage with their children by speaking Nepali at home and creating an environment for their development.

What are the fees at Sabdamala?

The fees per term at Sabdamala is $100. This fee includes admission to all classes, provision of classroom materials, needed books, photocopies, light refreshments and some stationary. Sabdamala has 4 terms per year. If paying annually, the fees are set at $350 per year. These fees go towards a nominal payment made to academic staff that are engaged in teaching, the purchase and sourcing of needed resources, payments for public liability, volunteers insurance, membership of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools and annual payments to the Department of Fair Trading as part of its reporting requirements. 

Who is involved in Sabdamala?

Sabdamala consists of individuals from various walks of life! The Sabdamala family consists of Sabdamala Students (SS), Sabdamala Parents’ Group (SPG), the Sabdamala Management Committee (SMC), the Sabdamala Academic Staff (SAS), Sabdamala Volunteers (SV),  and other friends and supporters. Many individuals are students, early career professionals as well as well-settled individuals. The dynamics at Sabdamala, is therefore, always interesting and supportive.

When was Sabdamala established?

Initial discussions for Sabdamala surfaced based on the evident need for parents to teach their children Nepali in Sydney. The establishment of a Nepali language was a part of the Plan of Action 2010 as put forward by Guthi Australia’s President, Neelam Pradhananga at its first Guthi Australia Executive meeting in January 2010. Dr Narayan Pradhan, Guthi Australia’s Advisor and also the President of Gurkha Nepalese Community (GNC) who was present at that meeting noted the efforts made by GNC in 2004 with the set up of the Childrens’ Activity Group. The possibility of Guthi Australia and Gurkha Nepalese Community working together to set up a Nepali Language School was then discussed. Neelam Pradhananga, Rajan Chhetri and Bindya Subba then became heavily involved in initial discussions for the set up of a school. As there was already a strong need for such a school, it did not take much time for other individuals to join in and support the initial set up of Sabdamala. Sabdamala also benefited from the experience of the school set up in Penrith in the mid 90′s.

Is Sabdamala a part of Guthi Australia or Gurkha Nepalese Community?

Sabdamala is an educational institution and from the outset, the team was concerned about keeping it free from any political influences. To ensure its long term sustainability, it was decided that Sabdamala should become a separate entity. Based on this strategic decision, Sabdamala was then incorporated as a not for profit association in New South Wales. A management committee was set up to ensure its operation. Although some individuals from both Guthi Australia and Gurkha Nepalese Community are actively engaged in the Sabdamala Management Committee, it is expected that parents as key stakeholders will take on a more active role in the next Sabdamala Management Committee (2012 – 2014).

Does Sabdamala have plans for expansion?

Although Sabdamala does have plans to expand to other areas such as the St George area, Sabdamala has no immediate intention of doing so. The primary focus for Sabdamala at present is to undertake quality teaching and learning at its current two locations.

What are the benefits of becoming involved in Sabdamala?

The first and foremost would be to become part of a growing organisation that is working towards a great cause – to contribute directly towards the teaching and learning of Nepali. There are also other incentives including becoming part of a great group of committed people and to develop life long friendships.

Is Sabdamala a volunteer driven organisation?

Yes, all members of the Sabdamala Management Committee are volunteers. Members of the academic staff are paid a nominal amount to cover their basic transportation and lunch expenses.

Is Sabdamala open to non-Nepalese as well?

Absolutely. Australia is a basket woven together with different strands representing the cultural diversity of various nationalities and ethnic groups from around the world. It is this diversity that we aim to contribute to. It would only seem fitting for the rich diversity within Nepal to be shared with the wider Australian community. There are possibilities of Sabdamala to venture into adult Nepali learning classes. This will ensure those volunteers and professionals that go to Nepal every year to contribute have access to a Nepali language teaching centre before they reach Kathmandu. This is however, expected to take some time.

How does Sabdamala make a difference?

Sabdamala is just one institution among the many others in Sydney that is working towards the transfer of Nepali culture. Teaching the Nepali language in a structured manner, however, is specific to Sabdamala. Sabdamala believes that basic Nepali reading, writing and comprehension skills can enhance the understanding of Nepali culture especially for young Nepalese who grow up here in Australia. We believe it will help them connect to their roots and to develop into a balanced and well-rounded individual, not to mention the benefits of being able to communicate with uncles, grandparents, cousins and relatives when visiting Nepal!