Wednesday, 5 March 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:49): In the last fortnight I was honoured to attend the Awate awards ceremony hosted by the Eritrean community language school in Ascot Vale, which was attended by various Eritrean elders, parents, women, young people and children. This event was a celebration of the outstanding achievements of the 2024 VCE, International Baccalaureate and university student graduates of the Eritrean community, a gorgeous evening of shared pride for the emerging leaders from this community. The Awate awards ceremony highlights the important role language schools play in our communities and for children and young people, not just in preserving culture and heritage but in fostering a deep sense of belonging and identity in a world that insists that they conform. Community language schools help strengthen communities, bring families together, support new arrivals and provide culturally safe spaces for students. Language is more than a means of communication; it is a bridge to history. According to the United Nations, a language is lost every two weeks, and with it a whole cultural and intellectual heritage. As someone for whom English is their second language, I commend the young Eritrean people who believe in the importance of connecting to their roots through their mother tongue. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr Al-Amin Idris, the principal of the Eritrean Community School, for his unwavering commitment to education and his community. Thank you for all that you do. I look forward to the continued success of his students. Shukran, Ramadan Mubarak to this wonderful community in Northern Metro. It was a pleasure.