tidings
Grevic Alvarado
Immigrant children studying English at Langdons Language Institute (LLI) in Chaguanas celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, on Friday.
More than 160 boys and girls of different ages developed traditional activities.
School principal Susan Langdon said immigrant children were mostly dressed in traditional East Indian clothing for Hindu festivals.
They participated in rangoli competitions and learned how to decorate deyas. They shared Hindu sweets made by representatives and teachers and enjoyed traditional music by teacher Deo Nanan who entertained the children by playing tabla and dhantal.
“These are activities included in the educational plan of our institution for boys and girls. Diwali celebrations are Trinidad and Tobago traditions that our students need and want to know about,” said Langdon.
For lunch the boys and girls ate roti.
“Parents have been collaborators in everything. The teachers and staff of our institution are involved in every activity so that the students know every detail of Diwali,” she said.
LLI is a language academy approved by the University of Cambridge. For several years they have been working for the education of immigrant children who have not had the opportunity to enter the TT education system.
These migrant children are studying their traditional subjects and also getting to know the TT culture.
Maria Suarez, mother of two students, said she wants her children to know the TT culture.
“TT has opened doors for us so that Venezuelans can have a better quality of life and in gratitude for that, we respect and appreciate their culture, which is beautiful. “My children are happy to wear their Diwali outfits,” said Suarez.
She said she will continue to teach her children the traditions of TT.
