Sneha Aryal from South Australia was five years old when she started attending a Nepali language school. Born in Australia, the school not only taught her how to read and write in Nepali but also gave her an opportunity to learn about Nepali art, culture, and traditions.

Aryal, now pursuing higher education at an Australian university, represents the second generation of Nepalis. She is fluent in both speaking and writing Nepali.

Around 2,000 second-generation Nepali children across various Australian states and cities are trying to connect with their ancestral homeland, its history, and its traditions through Nepali language schools. The foundation for such schools in Australia was laid in the early 2000s. The Guthi Australia and Gorkha Nepali Community in Sydney initiated the effort to pass the Nepali language on to the second generation.

However, the official establishment of Shabdamaala in the late 2000s and Bhasa Pathshala in Adelaide, South Australia, in 2008 institutionalised this initiative. Shabdamaala alone has set up eight branches in Sydney. At present, dozens of such Nepali language schools operate across all Australian states and cities. These schools not only teach Nepali language to children but also pass on knowledge about Nepali festivals, traditions, art, culture, music, and dance.

The love, passion, and interest for Nepal are evident in the children attending these schools. They are so enthusiastic that they arrive at the school half an hour before classes begin. The children are equally eager to learn about Nepali language and culture. Their learning starts with the Nepali national anthem and sometimes ends with songs and dance performances. They draw images of Nepal’s national flag, Mount Everest, and Buddha while trying to familiarise themselves with the art and culture across Nepal.

Children aged five to 14 attend these schools. The primary objective is to introduce them to Nepali letters at an early age and help them learn about Nepal.

“Our effort is to keep children connected with Nepal,” said Ankur Upadhyay, a parent and teacher involved in Nepali language schools since their inception. “These schools not only help second-generation Nepalis learn the language and culture but also serve as a bridge linking the Nepali community with Australia’s multicultural society.”

Students from these schools participate in multicultural events, showcasing traditional Nepali dances. Dressed in Nepali national attire, they also help promote Nepal’s identity.

“The dedication of our children towards Nepali art, culture, and traditions inspires us to continue this initiative,” said Chandramani Pandey, principal of the Bhasa Pathshala. He is delighted to see children born and raised in an English-speaking environment still holding onto their Nepali heritage.

The Australian government has been highly supportive of such schools. Given the country’s multicultural nature, state governments encourage children from different cultural backgrounds to learn about their heritage and native languages.

These schools receive financial grants, teacher training, and periodic monitoring from Australian ministries. School operators say government agencies provide both economic and other support.

Parents are increasingly drawn to these schools because there is no tuition fee for enrolment. Although some local governments provide financial aid, most schools are run entirely by volunteers. Some schools offer a small allowance to volunteer teachers. Parents are keen to enrol their children as they learn their language and culture and interact with other Nepali children,

Vishnu Ghimire, chairman of Shabdamaala in Sydney, says Nepali language schools have achieved significant success over the past 15 years. Shabdamaala alone has taught around 400 second-generation Nepali children about Nepal and the Nepali language through its eight branches.

“These schools not only help children but also provide parents with opportunities to build friendships and connections within the community,” he said.

Nepali language schools have expanded beyond major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide to Perth and Brisbane. They are crucial in keeping second-generation Nepali children connected to the Nepali language, art, culture, and traditions. These children are now confident when talking about Nepal, even with children from other communities.