- Phone: +1 (408) 332-1941
- Email: vinayak34@gmail.com
Nurturing Kannada Language and Culture in San Joaquin county The Namma Kannada Kalike Kaaryakrama, translating to "Our Kannada Learning Program," is a fee-based (one-time) language initiative dedicated to teaching students to listen, read, write, and speak Kannada. Kannada is a language with a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2000 years. It originated in Karnataka, a state in the southern part of India.
The program offers a meticulously designed curriculum and custom textbooks for grades 1 to 5, with plans to expand to grade 6 in the academic year of 2024-25. Principally serving the residents of San Joaquin County in California, the program has garnered widespread acceptance and support from the community, parents, and students alike.
The Namma Kannada Kalike Kaaryakrama curriculum is tailored to meet the specific needs of students pursuing studies in Kannada, with textbooks and workbooks authored and edited by a team of educators and industry experts. This collaborative effort has ensured the program is aligned with educational standards and cultural relevance. The positive response from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting a growing interest in extending the Kannada language curriculum into high school education.
Since its inception in 2020 with just 13 students and 3 teachers, the program has seen remarkable growth. By the academic year of 2023-24, the number of students had surged to over 80, supported by a dedicated team of 17 teachers. The program operates under the auspices of the San Joaquin Kannada Sangha, a registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization based in Mountain House, CA. The Sangha is committed to celebrating, preserving, and promoting the culture, heritage, and language of Karnataka while engaging in community service and charitable activities.
"At Namma Kannada Kalike Kaaryakrama, our mission is to empower Kindergarten to 12th-grade students with comprehensive Kannada language skills (Proficiency based) . We strive to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment that fosters proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking Kannada. Our program is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka while equipping students with the linguistic tools necessary for their personal, academic, and professional success."
"Our vision is to become a globally recognized educational program that inspires a deep appreciation and mastery of the Kannada language among young learners. We aim to cultivate a generation of students who are fluent in Kannada, confident in their communication abilities, and connected to their cultural roots. By integrating innovative teaching methods and fostering a lifelong love for learning, we envision a future where the Kannada language thrives in both local and global contexts."