Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Pauline RICHARDS (Cranbourne) (10:14): Last Saturday I was fortunate to visit the Zimbabwean community language school situated in Cranbourne East. It is an initiative that has played a significant role in keeping Zimbabwean children connected to their rich culture. The Zimbabwean community works tirelessly in many essential industries, and I particularly see a great number of clinicians in my community represented in the Zimbabwean heritage community.

Last weekend I was particularly honoured to have a lesson in Zimbabwean, and I want to thank the teachers, who were also the students on the day. I would like to acknowledge Shamiso, Mutsa, Shumirai, Maita, Ariya, Ruvarashe, Aiden, Kundai, Tyrell, Hailey, Megan, Alicia, Tiana and Stacia. They were terrific teachers as students, as were Robert, Joshua, Charlotte, Zara, Jayden and Christian, who were also part of the leaders. I would like to particularly thank the adult teachers – Ravai, Katra, Shelter and Muvini – who taught me various Zimbabwean phrases. The Zimbabwean diaspora is strong. The children of Zimbabwean heritage are a great joy to the community, and I am grateful to have them as friends.