The strategies implemented to achieve these objectives are:

• incorporate cultural and social activities in the teaching curriculum to generate awareness of Nepalese cultural norms,
• mobilize qualified teachers for curriculum development and delivery, 
• engage motivated and talented volunteers for the management of the school,
• ensure a safe and conducive environment where teaching / learning activities can take place,
• have in place an interactive process whereby parents can be actively involved themselves in the development of the school and their children( and the program), without impinging on the role and responsibilities of the Academic Coordinator, teaching staffs and volunteers of the (program) school.

The working areas of Sabdamala include:

Nepalese Language Classes

Sabdamala is an educational institute that runs Nepalese language classes in Sydney. At presents, it runs classes every Sunday from 10 AM to 12 mid day at two locations: (at) the Campsie Public School and the Granville Public School. Approximately 40 children, in the 5 to 12 age group, bracket are currently engaged in these classes on a weekly basis. Class levels and sizes vary on criteria such language ability and age. Approximately 10 academics are involved in week-to-week teaching on a regular basis.

Teaching and Learning

Sabdamala envisions itself to be a centre for the teaching and learning of Nepalese language and practices in Australia. Sabdamala has sourced resources such as books, videos, music and posters from Nepal and will continue to do so to build its resource base. These resources combined with extensive knowledge on teaching methodologies are being used to develop a syllabus to guide the learning of Sabdamala children at various levels. This syllabus while still at a formative stage, has a framework which will continuously be developed and will evolve with the maturity of the school. This academic framework is used to guide the development of lesson plans which guide teachers in classroom delivery.

Cultural Preservation

One of Sabdamala’s key working areas is the instilaltion of cultural values in Sabdamala students. Sabdamala acknowledges that language teaching and learning does not exist in isolation. An understanding of the dynamic notion of culture, based on a changing conception of time and space, is embedded with Sabdamala. This is to ensure  that students can identify with Nepalese culture and incorporate those values that are important to them as individuals such as respect for elders, kindness and warm hospitality, and a strong work ethic. These are key examples of some of the Nepalese values that we aim to instill in our students. 

Capacity Building

Sabdamala is run by a young and energetic team. The Sabdamala team works towards empowerment of youth by engaging them in its week to week operations as well as in its various events that take place throughout the year. Sabdamala has an active group of over 30 volunteers who engage directly with Sabdamala. Academic staff who are involved in Sabdamala are provided internal training and are encouraged to take part in structured training provided externally. Most academic staff have undertaken the Certificate in Language Teaching organised as part of the NSW Community Languages Program.

Fundraising 

Sabdamala regularly undertakes fundraising events to offset and subsidize the true cost of its operations. It has taken part twice in the Campsie Food Festival and kept a food stall at Nepal festival. Deusi Bhailo program 2010 organized to familiarize our students with this tradition, has raised significant funds for Sabdamala. We take this as an evidence of the community’s good wishes towards 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 teaching resources. 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. In 2011, Sabdamala has received a $2500 establishment grant from the Department of Education and Communities under their Community Languages Schools Program. 

Integration with the Australian community

Sabdamala is one community language school out of over 450 community language schools that are in operation in New South Wales. Over 100, 000 students now attend community language schools learning over 60 languages. In New South Wales, 33 000 students attend community schools taught by over 2 000 teachers. The establishment of such schools has been vital for the continuation of culture for minority ethnic groups. Such efforts are also key to the strongly valued notion of multiculturalism in Australia. Sabdamala is actively engaged in programs within the Nepalese and wider Australia community that it feels will assist its students into developing into well-rounded individuals. Sabdamala takes its children on day trips to Nepalese community organisation events such as Buddha Jayanti celebrations and Deusi Bhailo celebrations.