Speaking up for love of language

Kelvin at the Doveton Library. 135200 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

IT’S a date that few may know about.
But the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation is endeavouring to change that, pushing to have International Mother Language Day recognised throughout the municipality.
Working in partnership with the City of Casey, the library corporation celebrated the special day last Thursday with students from Holy Family Junior School in Power Road, Doveton, joining councillors at the Doveton Library.
The students participated in a range of language-related activities and a bilingual story time, following the welcoming speeches.
International Mother Language Day is officially held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The day has been observed every year since February 2000, under the guidance of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
In 2013 the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation and council launched a local pilot project at Narre Warren Library to raise awareness of International Mother Language Day.