THE Punjabi Language Education Association is appealing to Surrey parents to choose Punjabi as a second language for their kids in elementary school.

The PLEA said in a statement that survey forms had been sent by the Surrey elementary schools to parents of grade 4 students who are going into grade 5 this September. These forms are sent to parents so they can choose what second language their children should learn from grade 5 to 8, as it is compulsory for students in these grades to learn a second language. If no other language is requested by parents, then by default, French is taught.

Punjabi is one of the five other languages that can be taught in BC schools; however, the request to teach the language must come from parents, and there should be sufficient enrolment in each school to begin a class.

The PLEA said that it is important for parents to complete the forms and express their interest as it will have a direct result on whether or not Punjabi classes at the grade 5 level will be offered. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to play a role in promoting Punjabi in schools and offering their children the chance to learn Punjabi. These forms must be returned before the end of April.

The PLEA noted that it has been promoting Punjabi language instruction in BC’s public schools, colleges, universities and community. It said it strongly believes that getting children interested in their mother tongue Punjabi at an early age is extremely beneficial to them not only in their communication skills but also in staying connected with their heritage. As such, the PLEA would like to urge parents of grade 4 students to choose Punjabi for their child and return the forms to their child’s school as soon as possible.

For further information they can contact Balwant Sanghera (PLEA President) at 604-836-8976 or Sadhu Binning at 778-773-1886. PLEA representative Gurinder Mann can also be contacted at 604-710-9106.