Promoting the Teaching of Gujarati in UK Schools

A conference on promoting Gujarati language and culture in UK schools was recently held in London, organized by Gareth Thomas MP, the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, The 1928 Institute, and UCL. The event aimed to tackle the 44% decline in GCSE Gujarati entries over the past decade and emphasized the importance of preserving community languages.

Supported by Pearson UK, the conference featured educators, language leaders, and cultural experts discussing topics like early years teaching, phonics, grammar, cultural integration, and exam preparation. Workshops included speaking exams, translation, and using film in lessons.

Keynote speaker Gareth Thomas MP stressed the need for more Gujarati speakers for both economic and community benefits, while Bernardette Holmes MBE led conversations on building national support networks for Gujarati education.