Punjabi Language Program at Peden Hill Elementary

0:00Pete and Hill Elementary in Prince George, British Columbia, just kicked off an after-school Punjabi language program to help kids stay tied to their roots. Principal Nicole Polhuis launched it this April, after parents flagged worries about their children drifting from Punjabi and family traditions. Classes run every Monday through the end of the school year, open to fourth and fifth graders. The program is led by Kamaljit Saini, a school educational assistant who moved from India to Canada in 2023. She's got to mix affluent Punjabi speakers and total beginners in the room, including non-P Punjabi kids and even staff jumping in to learn. Students like fourth grader Manur or Dollywall say it makes them feel super welcome, while fifth grader Man Vanshi Seedu digs seeing his principal pick up. Words alongside everyone. Staff bravery in learning together builds real bonds and it tackles that gap where English dominant kids struggle chatting with Punjabi speaking, grandparents.

1:01The Seed community in Prince George is all in, showing big appreciation for the push on language preservation. Polhuis hopes to grow it to more grades next year and inspire other local schools to follow suit. Everyone from kids to parents and staff rallied behind this, proving how one small program can spark unity and keep cultures alive right in the classroom. That's the story for today. Canada News Today, Driven by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.