This exciting gathering promises to be an enriching experience that showcases the beauty of diversity through food, cultural dances, cooking skills, and language learning.

Indulge your senses as you savor various delicious dishes from different African cuisines, expertly prepared by local chefs. Each bite will tell a story of tradition and heritage, inviting you to explore new flavors while connecting with others who share a passion for culinary arts.

Zambia Culture Immersion

In addition to the mouth-watering food offerings, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in captivating cultural dances. These performances entertain and serve as an engaging way to learn about the rich history and customs of various African communities.

Moreover, this event is an ideal platform for language learning enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or start from scratch, you’ll find workshops tailored to all levels. Engage with native speakers and immerse yourself in authentic conversations that bring languages to life.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate harmony through culture! Mark your calendars for March 22nd and be part of a community that values inclusivity and understanding.

The event will be an opportunity to learn ALAA’s enrollment process.

Again, here is the date, place, and time:

Date: 22 March 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: OACWA Community Hub, 11 Lemana Court, Nollamara, WA 6061

Facilitated by: African Language Academy Australia (ALAA) & OZALIWA

Together, we can create lasting connections that transcend borders and enrich our lives.

The Australia Zambia Business Council (AZBC) conference presented a unique opportunity to fortify  the economic and cultural relationships between the two nations. This particular and first event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Zambian-founded businesses in Perth, like African Language Academy Australia, while also highlighting the success stories of Australian enterprises operating in Zambia.
ALAA is a pioneering institution dedicated to teaching and preserving African languages, aligning with their mission to empower the next generation to achieve their personal best in speaking their mother tongue.

Award-winning ALAA has made significant strides in promoting African culture and language, including their innovative graduation ceremony tradition and strategic partnerships with various organizations. The dedicated team of co-founders behind the African Language Academy Australia are as follows:

• Theras E’Dmeden-Policy, Material Development & Cultural Engagement Specialist

• Sofia Chala-Lead Facilitator, Compliance & Material Development Specialist

• Chewe Nkole-Enrolments & Cultural Engagement Specialist

• Davies Chibale-Finance, IR/HR Specialist

• Apostle Keny Phiri-Teaching Compliance Specialist

• Charles Kaluwasha-IT & Digital Marketing Specialist

If you want to read their impressive credentials, click on this link https://alaa.com.au/dedicated-team/

The school cannot run without our dedicated facilitators. These are the ones who interact with students in various current languages.

• Phyllis Muthoni | Kikuyu And Kiswahili Language Facilitator, Based in Kenya
• Frederick Mdege | Shona Language Facilitator,Based in Zimbabwe
• Grace Chiboni Kapoma | Bemba Language Facilitator,Based In Solwezi District
• Nzige K Kawaka (Kawaka) | Cultural Support Facilitator
• Monica Chibale | (B.A. Psych HSS, Hons Pysch, M.A. Psych- Dissertation) Bemba Language Facilitator (currently on leave, Based in Estwani)

If you want to read their impressive credentials, click on this link: https://alaa.com.au/facilitators/

This event was graced by  His Excellency Dr. Elias Munshya, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, and Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Perth, Bruce Reynolds.

We thank the president of the Australia Zambia Business Council, and his team for the tremendous work put in to make it a success. God bless your work, and we look forward to participating in yet another conference in the near future.

We would also like to thank the master of ceremonies, Mwaba Mwaba, who repeatedly mentioned ALAA from the beginning up to the end of the conference. God bless you abundantly.

Below are some of the highlights of  special VIP interest in ALAA.

Co-Founder Davies explains ALAA’s mission to guests

Joseph Kufwakwandi, President,AZBC standing with Jonas Mulombwa, NDIS specialist.

Dr. David Mickler-Dean, Global & Director, centre for Australia-Africa Relations and Chewe Nkole, Cofounder, ALAA

Georgia, one of our three future students, is starting May 25, 2025 term

From left to right are Mr. George Mutale, founder of Nilina Hope, Zambia; Dr. Patrick Nkhoma, Director of Dalp Consultancy-Zambia; and Davies Chibale, co-founder of ALAA, Perth.

Co founders,Theresa D’Emden and Davies Chibale manning ALAA stall

We’re excited to announce that African Language Academy Australia (ALAA) will be exhibiting at the upcoming business conference on 8 March, 2025!

ALAA is a pioneering institution dedicated to teaching and preserving African languages, aligning with our mission to empower the next generation to achieve their personal best in speaking their mother tongue.

Award-winning ALAA has made significant strides in promoting African culture and language, including our innovative graduation ceremony tradition and strategic partnerships with various organizations. Visit the ALAA exhibition booth to learn more about our groundbreaking work and how we’re contributing to a better world through language and cultural preservation.

Visit us at our exhibit stall and get to know more

The role of African drums extends far beyond mere musicality; it is a profound cultural cornerstone that shapes the identity and traditions of communities across the continent. ALaa, an inspiring figure in this realm, teaches children the invaluable skills of drumming, ensuring that this rich heritage is passed down to future generations. Through engaging lessons, children learn not only how to play but also the significance behind each rhythm and beat.

Each drum sound carries different meanings, serving as a powerful form of communication within African communities. Whether it’s a celebratory tone during weddings or a somber rhythm at funerals, drums convey emotions and messages that words often cannot express. They are integral to storytelling and cultural expression, making them essential tools for preserving history and fostering unity.

Moreover, drums are utilized on various occasions—festivals, rituals, and communal gatherings—all pivotal in strengthening social bonds among community members. By embracing these traditions through drumming education like ALaa offers, we can keep alive the spirit of African culture while empowering young minds with creativity and collaboration skills. The drum is not just an instrument; it is a heartbeat connecting past with present and uniting people in shared experiences.

Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a vessel of heritage, tradition, and identity. The academy provides an invaluable resource for both immigrants seeking to connect with their roots and Australians eager to expand their understanding of Africa’s rich cultures. Through its programs, the African Language Academy promotes inclusivity and encourages cross-cultural dialogue, making it an essential part of our community fabric.

Moreover, as we navigate an increasingly globalized world, proficiency in diverse languages can enhance employment opportunities and foster better relationships in both personal and professional settings. Supporting institutions like the African Language Academy is crucial for building a more interconnected society where every voice is heard and valued. Embracing this initiative not only benefits individuals but also contributes significantly to the overall harmony and vibrancy of our communities.

Below are photos of ALAA Team pausing with certificates and awards for being innovative and supporting the community by teaching African language and culture to children born in diaspora. Among them is His Excellency Zambian Ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Nations, Dr. Munshya, who came to support ALAA

]]> https://alaa.com.au/the-role-of-language-school-in-the-community/feed/ 0 https://alaa.com.au/read-all-about-it/ https://alaa.com.au/read-all-about-it/#respond Sun, 23 Mar 2025 20:13:19 +0000 https://alaa.com.au/?p=1619

At the heart of the African Language Academy lies a powerful mission: to empower young ones in the diaspora by teaching them their mother tongue and cultural heritage. Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a vessel that carries the richness of our traditions, stories, and values. By fostering fluency in their native languages, we help children connect with their roots and embrace their identity.

Imagine a future where every child feels proud to speak their mother tongue—a future where they can share the beautiful tales of their ancestry and celebrate cultural practices that have shaped generations. The African Language Academy believes in nurturing this connection, ensuring that our heritage thrives even beyond borders. Together, we can inspire the next generation to cherish and uphold the vibrant tapestry of African cultures, creating a legacy that resonates with pride and unity across continents.

People kept coming to see the African Malimba

Children learning how to play the Malimba

We started a new graduation ceremony tradition at African Language Academy Australia (ALAA), namely:

1. Real drum roll by graduates 🎓 &

2. *Ensuring certificates are presented by grandparents*, who are our custodians of African culture and also to symbolise passing on African culture to the next generation.

We are so grateful to the following grandmothers:

1. Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes, Executive President of OACWA and grandmother, presented certificates to graduates in Swahili.

2. *Mrs. Jane Mary Bengura,* grandmother who presented certificates to graduates in Shona language &

3. *Mrs. Agnes Kaweme,* grandmother who presented certificates to graduates in Bemba language.

We are also very grateful to Mr Mdege, our Shona Teacher, who is qualified teacher with over 14 years experience,based in Zimbabwe who sent a video message to students.

And Madam Muthoni, another qualified Teacher and grandmother who teaches Swahili language via zoom and based in Nairobi.

Also grateful to Ms Monica Chibale, a qualified teacher based in Eswatini who teaches Bemba class.

Two strategic pillars serve as the foundation of our teaching model at ALAA, namely:

1. Language is best taught by the owners of the language, who own the traditions and heritage of that particular language.

2. *That language is not just taught as words or sentences but must be taught with the traditions and culture of that particular language.*

We also subscribe to the belief that:

The teacher has not taught if the student has not learnt

Enjoy the videos above 👆🏾, and for enrolments, please enroll via the ALAA website:

www.alaa.com.au

Seek out people who inspire, challenge, and support you. Surrounding yourself with driven, encouraging individuals will naturally push you to aim higher and stay focused on your goals.

A dog will always select the bone when you put a wad of cash and a bone in front of it since it doesn’t realise that money can purchase a lot of bones.
In a similar vein, if you put an expensive book and an iPhone in front of a young child, they’ll probably opt to play games on the phone instead of thinking about how their decision could affect their future.
It’s critical for parents to recognise how they shape their children’s choices and preferences through the environment they live in.
It is your duty to influence your kids’ hobbies and morals at a young age, as this may help them make better decisions in the future.
Youngsters flourish in settings that value curiosity over practicality.
Make prudent decisions for them.
As parents, we shape our children’s choices long before they make them.

We praise and honor the parents who thought it wise to enroll their children in the African Language Academy to anchor their belief in learning their mother tongue and cultural skills. This will give them a firm foundation to align and identify the values of African culture and its origin.
This was evident when the young people and one adult graduated on 29 September at HillView Intercultural Centre in Bentley, Perth.
Dr. Casty Nyanga Hughes, the President of the Organization of African Communities (OAC), graced the occasion.

Facilitator Mdenge delivers his congratulations to Shona graduates.

Facilitator Muthoni gives congratulations to Kiswahili graduates

Swahili graduate Ben receives his certificate

Excited community members and students gathered to witness the graduation of students who participated in African language teaching and cultural skills.

It was an exciting moment for both students and parents.

Facilitators were more than happier to see their work in reality and that students were able to demonstrate the knowledge and cultural skills they gained during their learning experience. They were able to speak their mother tongue! Below are the highlights of the ceremony.
Co-Founder Mr. Davies Chibale gives a preamble of the occasion.

Words of encouragement from Grandma Agnes Kaweme to our graduates before the certificate presentation.

]]> https://alaa.com.au/taking-african-language-academy-to-another-level/feed/ 0