A local language school is helping Wyndham’s Ethiopian community preserve its native languages through Amharic classes.
Afroage’s free classes for children aged 5-12 are designed to create a bilingual generation rooted in a strong sense of identity, historical heritage, and cultural pride.
Teacher Israel Yemanebrehane said the classes are important for children given the lack of native speakers in Melbourne.
“Geographic distance and language barriers can make it difficult for Ethiopian-Australian youth to maintain deep, fluent connections with their heritage and relatives overseas,” Mr Yemanebrehane said.
“Many Australian-born children of Ethiopian heritage were finding it difficult to engage in clear, meaningful conversations with their grandparents and relatives living overseas.
“Without a shared language, the rich history of family stories and cultural legacies can become harder to pass down through the generations.
“Tarneit was selected as the school’s permanent base due to the Wyndham City Council area being home to the largest Ethiopian and Eritrean communities in Melbourne.
“By strengthening real communication, the school helps transform simple greetings into deep, ongoing relationships across generations.”
He said the benefits young people can gain from the program go well beyond the classroom or community.
“Language capability reduces cultural and communication barriers, enabling young people to participate more effectively in global business, investment, and cross-border collaboration.”
Classes run at the Penrose Community Centre in Tarneit on Fridays from 4.30-7pm.
Details: contact@impact.afroage.org
