Helping the children of Gujarati diaspora stay connected to their roots - A partnership with GONA
The initiative aims to benefit five hundred children in the next six months
Continuing their efforts to promote and celebrate all Indian languages, Language Curry has now partnered with GONA; Gujaratis of North America. As the name suggests, Guajarati's of North America is a non-profit organization based in the USA that has benefited over 100 schools in South Gujarat, India. Their vision statement is to create, 'A united Gujarati community that supports our youth in realizing their potential, promotes Gujarati culture and help each other in dark times'.
In their collaboration with Language Curry, they will be conducting online Gujarati classes for the children of the Gujarati diaspora. The USP of Language Curry is to provide luxurious servings of culture along with language so the children will be exposed to the delights of their roots and culture along the way.
Language Curry Co-Founder Aneesha Jyoti said about the development, 'we are delighted to be part of this initiative. Ensuring that children know their mother tongues and cultural values is the only way to preserve our roots. Along with GONA we look forward to spreading the rich Gujarati culture and language among young learners'.
We interviewed the Founder and CEO of Gujaratis of North America, Mr. Pramod Mistry. Here is what he said.
What is GONA? What is the mission and passion behind GONA?
Gujaratis of North America is a nonprofit organization created to keep Gujarati culture alive for our 2nd and 3rd generation's children by teaching them their mother tongue Create a speaker series to give them knowledge about our festivals and religion in a language they understand.
Why is the mother tongue so important to the Indian diaspora?
It is vital for our children to know their mother tongue It helps to keep our roots alive. India is country with vibrant history and culture. Knowing your mother tongue will keep our children near our religion.
How does GONA plan to support the preservation of Gujarati culture amongst the Indian Diaspora?
Our 1st step is to teach them our mother tongue. After 2 years of research, Gonausa found Language Curry. Gonausa made deal with them to teach Gujarati on Zoom classes. GONAUSA will be paying all the expenses for these classes as well. Donation from like-minded individuals has made this program a reality.
Gonausa is planning to start a SPEAKER SERIES, where top-notch speakers will talk about our religion, festivals, and history in English.
Our 3rd phase is to start a YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM with help of the Gujarat government.
What made you partner with Language Curry? What do you envision from this partnership?
After going through a lot of research and after talking to many institutes we found language curry most efficient to fulfill our needs. We are starting our classes with two batches with 42 students. Our goal is to involve 500 children in the next 6 months. Language curry has a good team and good teachers to make this possible.
Lastly, what is your message to the Gujaratis residing in North America?
I, Pramod Mistry, Founder, and President GONA would like to request all the parents and grandparents to encourage your children to join this class. Your feedback and suggestions are most welcome. Also, our organization is non-profit and runs on your donations. Hence please vouch $10 to $25 per month or sponsor the whole session. For any information write to pramod@gonausa.org
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