Arabic version: أستراليا تبدأ أول مدرسة لغات أصلية بتعليم كامل الغمر

The Pertame Language Nest in Alice Springs is pioneering a total immersion program for Indigenous language education, aiming to become Australia’s first total immersion school. This initiative, which focuses on teaching children aged zero to five entirely in Pertame, seeks to revitalize the language for future generations.

According to ABC News, the Language Nest emphasizes a Pertame-only environment, where English is left at the door, allowing children to learn through singing, dancing, and playing. This approach not only promotes language acquisition but also fosters a sense of identity among the young participants.

Coordinator Vanessa Farrelly expressed the goal of extending the program beyond preschool by establishing an independent school that would continue the total immersion model, with hopes of introducing transition or kindergarten classes by 2029. Farrelly noted that the success of similar initiatives in other countries has inspired their efforts.

The program has garnered support from families, with parents like Sashanna Armstrong and Shania Burdett highlighting its importance in instilling cultural identity in their children. With less than 30 fluent Pertame speakers remaining, the initiative is seen as crucial for the language’s survival.

Elders involved in the program express joy and nostalgia as they witness the younger generation learning their ancestral language. The Pertame Language Nest not only aims to teach the language but also to create a community where children can grow up immersed in their culture and heritage, fostering a strong sense of identity for future generations.