As the schools fees set by Sabdamala are subsidized and are not reflective of the true costs of operations of Sabdamala at two locations, Sabdamala undertakes fundraising activities throughout the year. It takes part every year in the Campsie Food Festival and also undertakes a Deusi Bhailo program which has surprisingly proven to have raised funds for Sabdamala. Funds raised from such events are earmarked for the purchase of much needed resources for the school such as overhead projectors, video cameras and books.
Sabdamala has also been very fortunate to have dedicated individuals in the community who have mobilized their circles of influence to raise funds for Sabdamala. In 2010, football clubs Himalayan Tigers and the Granville Tsunamis assisted Sabdamala to raise funds. Similarly, a Nepalese community organisation based in Sydney, Guthi Australia, donated a certain portion of the funds raised from its Let’s Dance program.
Sabdamala has also been lucky to have received a $5000 Volunteers grant from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in 2010. This enabled Sabdamala to purchase much needed equipment for both schools including laptops, computer software, overhead projectors and screens, printers, vacuum cleaners, bookcases, video cameras and first aid kits. In 2011, Sabdamala has received a $2500 Establishment Grant from the Department of Education and Communities under their Community Languages Schools Program. These funds will be used to for development of an academic syllabus and an online resource base for the teaching and learning of Nepali. Sabdamala has also been receiving quarterly contributions from Office works (Sydney City) from 2010 onwards to replenish basic stationary supplies of the school.
At certain times, families may face some financial hardship. The SMC are able to consider, on a case by case basis, a further reduction / waiver in fees. Attendance of the child must be at a minimum of 70% in the term prior and any arrangement is for a mutually agreed period of time. Please speak to any SMC member to discuss your issues. A written request will be required and will be reviewed by the SMC. All discussions and requests will be kept confidential. With effect from 2012, the SMC have decided to apply a reduced fee policy to the fees of children who maintain a minimum attendance of 70% in the previous year from the time that they enrolled. If your child has attend at least 70% in 2011 from the term that they commenced enrolment then the fee will be $90 per term in 2012, and $80 in the following year and so on. Families with multiple enrollments will still be eligible for this $10 reduction. We hope that this will show our commitment and appreciation to the parents and children who support Sabdamala for the long run! Sabdamala truly is a long term investment for our community! The SMC is pleased to announce that Sabdamala has been successfully awarded an Establishment Grant from the Ministry of Education for the Community Language Schools program! An allocation of $2500 has been granted for 2011. The amount is based on various submissions required by the Ministry of Education, with one of the key requirement being that funding is directly linked to the attendance rate of the children enrolled at the school. Funding requires a minimum attendance rate of 70% in the terms prior to application. Regular attendance is, therefore, important not only for the development of your child but also for the continued funding of the school.
Consideration of cases of financial hardship
Free Reduction Policy to be implemented from 2012
Establishment Grant Awarded!
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