October 11, 2005 > ICC offers Hindi Language Immersion Program at Fremont public schools

by Sunita Sohrabji

India Community Center in Milpitas will offer its unique Hindi Language Immersion Program in two Fremont elementary schools this fall; James Leitch Elementary and Weibel Elementary. The after school program will be offered weekly. The center plans to expand the program to more schools in the South Bay area as early as January.

ICC's Hindi Language Immersion Program emphasizes learning language, using context and repetition. Theme-based classes use art, music, theater and familiar games such as "Treasure Hunt" and "Simon Says."

The program is geared toward making language learning fun. Vinney Arora, Kids and Teens Coordinator at ICC said, "Growing up in the U.S., I always wanted to find a way to connect to my heritage. I found that the traditional ways of learning Hindi were not fun nor did I retain any of the lessons learned."

Sheena Vaidyanathan, ICC trustee and Kids and Family Program co-chair, said, "Giving a child the opportunity to learn Hindi is giving them a chance to connect to the Indian culture. In the global workplace of the future, non-English languages will be a vital asset."

"Children quickly learn the catchy songs, because I have added Hindi lyrics to familiar children's songs," said Raka Gupta, who designed ICC's Hindi Language Immersion Program. Classes are taught entirely in Hindi to encourage faster learning.

For more information contact the ICC at (408) 934 1130 or visit indiacc.org.