Key Takeaways:
- The Russian-speaking community in Auckland is working hard to keep their language and traditional celebrations alive for their children.
- Plunket’s Russian playgroup has been a vital part of this effort, providing a space for children to learn and practice their Russian language and cultural heritage.
- The playgroup’s activities, including story time, sing-along time, arts and crafts, and water play, are designed to be fun and engaging for children while also promoting language and cultural preservation.
- The community’s efforts are driven by a desire to pass on their cultural heritage to their children and to help them connect with their roots.
- The playgroup has become an important part of the community, providing a sense of belonging and connection for Russian-speaking families in Auckland.
Introduction to the Russian Community in Auckland
The Russian-speaking community in Auckland is a vibrant and dedicated group of parents who are working hard to keep their language and traditional celebrations alive for their children. One such family is the Manktelows, who recently attended a Christmas celebration at Plunket’s Russian playgroup. Seven-year-old Zakhar Manktelow, who was born to a Russian mother and a Kiwi father, was excited to meet Ded Moroz, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, and to recite a 14-line poem in Russian. Despite the hot Auckland weather, the playgroup was filled with festive spirit, and the children were eager to participate in the traditional celebrations.
The Importance of Language and Culture
The Russian playgroup was started by Justyna Szarek, Plunket’s community services coordinator, who was born in Poland and raised by Ukrainian and Polish parents in Canada. Szarek understands the importance of preserving language and culture, and she has worked hard to create a space where Russian-speaking families can come together and celebrate their heritage. The playgroup has been running for a year and a half, and it has become an essential part of the community. Szarek believes that the Russian community is unique in its ability to keep its language strong, and she is committed to helping families pass on their cultural heritage to their children.
The Role of the Playgroup in Preserving Language and Culture
The playgroup is more than just a social gathering; it is a vital part of the community’s efforts to preserve language and culture. Daria Barbashina, the volunteer coordinator at the playgroup, is a mother of two young daughters, and she is passionate about keeping the Russian language alive. Barbashina believes that speaking Russian at home is not enough, and that the playgroup provides a critical space for children to practice their language skills and connect with other Russian-speaking families. The playgroup’s activities, including story time, sing-along time, arts and crafts, and water play, are designed to be fun and engaging for children while also promoting language and cultural preservation.
The Community’s Efforts to Preserve Language and Culture
The Russian-speaking community in Auckland is driven by a desire to pass on their cultural heritage to their children and to help them connect with their roots. Valentina Manktelow, Zakhar’s mother, is a prime example of this dedication. She drives 45 minutes from Pukekohe to attend the playgroup every month, and she has a strategy to keep the language alive for her children. Manktelow only speaks Russian to her children, while her husband only speaks English to them. This approach, known as "one parent one language," is designed to help children develop fluency in both languages and to promote cultural understanding.
The Impact of the Playgroup on the Community
The playgroup has had a significant impact on the Russian-speaking community in Auckland. It has provided a sense of belonging and connection for families, and it has helped to preserve language and culture. The playgroup’s activities, including the Christmas celebration, are an important part of this effort. The community’s efforts to preserve language and culture are not just about passing on traditions; they are also about creating a sense of identity and belonging for their children. By keeping their language and cultural heritage alive, the Russian-speaking community in Auckland is ensuring that their children will have a strong sense of roots and a deep understanding of their cultural identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Russian-speaking community in Auckland is a vibrant and dedicated group of parents who are working hard to keep their language and traditional celebrations alive for their children. The Plunket’s Russian playgroup has been a vital part of this effort, providing a space for children to learn and practice their Russian language and cultural heritage. The community’s efforts are driven by a desire to pass on their cultural heritage to their children and to help them connect with their roots. By preserving language and culture, the Russian-speaking community in Auckland is ensuring that their children will have a strong sense of identity and a deep understanding of their cultural heritage.