AAMA CHATASALI

The purpose of Chatasali is deeply rooted in nurturing cultural identity and linguistic heritage among children, especially in a global context where traditional roots can often fade. It serves as a dedicated space where young minds can connect with their ancestral language, Odia, and understand the values, customs, and stories that have shaped generations. Beyond just language learning, Chatasali is about instilling pride, confidence, and belonging in children—reminding them of who they are and where they come from. It provides an environment of joyful learning, where kids not only grasp the richness of their mother tongue but also engage in creative activities, moral storytelling, and community bonding. The value of Chatasali lies not just in academic knowledge but in emotional connection and cultural continuity. It is a bridge between past and future, empowering children to carry forward their heritage with love, respect, and a strong sense of identity, while also enhancing their communication and cognitive skills in a multilingual world.

To bring the vision of Chatasali to life in Australia, we are conducting engaging and interactive sessions over Zoom, tailored specifically for children of the Odia community. Recognising the challenges of distance and busy schedules, this virtual platform allows us to connect young learners across different parts of NSW in a convenient and consistent manner. Classes are held on weekends to suit family routines and ensure relaxed participation. A dedicated team of volunteer educators—fluent in Odia and passionate about cultural preservation—lead the sessions using a mix of storytelling, songs, basic language lessons, and fun activities to make learning enjoyable. We’ve also created age-based groups to ensure content is age-appropriate and attention is well-focused. Parents are kept involved through WhatsApp groups and regular updates, making this a truly community-driven initiative. By leveraging Zoom, we’re not only teaching Odia but also building a virtual cultural classroom where children feel connected to their roots, no matter where they are in Australia.

With great enthusiasm, we are excited to share that during these school holidays, we have already started our very first Chatasali session on the 12th/ 13th of July!

A heartfelt thanks and much appreciation to all the dedicated volunteers — Ashok, Biswa, Durga, Rashmi, Smita, and Neevi — for their wonderful initiative and efforts.

“We are strongly determined to carry this forward in the future.”