Talesha, front, with Erwin Boermans and Ruben and Philip, and Manuela Irvine with her daughter Sasha. 78009 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
MANUELA Irvine realises the importance of learning a second language.
That’s why the Sunbury resident began a program to teach children, including her own, how to speak Dutch. Now she hopes to see a similar program established in Brimbank.
Migrating to Australia 15 years ago, Ms Irvine said not only was it important youngsters were able to communicate with older family members who may not speak English, but speaking a second language would always be beneficial in the workplace.
“It’s very important to learn another language. Sometimes when parents become older they fall back on their mother tongue and then children aren’t able to communicate with them,” she said.
Unlike most people, Ms Irvine is lucky enough to speak four languages and said the education system in the Netherlands put great emphasis on learning various languages.
She said the Victorian School of Languages was hoping to expand its Dutch language course by establishing a program in Taylors Lakes.
The mother-of-two said classes were open to adults and children from the age of seven and the VSL was taking expressions of interest.
She said outside of the Netherlands and Belgium, the highest concentration of Dutch speakers is based in Victoria.
Anyone interested in attending the classes should email dutchnederlands@gmail.com
