Pakistan Professionals Forum Qatar (PPFQ) in collaboration with Pakistan International School (PIS) is offering Urdu language classes for children aged 5 and above.
These one-hour classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm at PIS. PPEQ is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, volunteer organisation, involved in raising the profiles of Pakistani professionals in Qatar.
‘Urdu Club’ is open to children of all schools. “We currently have children from Doha College, ASD, ACS, QIS etc.,” said Mohsin Mujtaba, Chairman of PPFQ and Founder of Urdu classes.
Mohsin told The Peninsula that many Pakistanis living in Qatar had a common challenge. “Their children go to British or American schools. They do not learn to read or write their own language - Urdu. Therefore we created a platform that would be able to address this problem,” he said.
“I didn’t want to structure a programme that would be dependent on me. It should continue even once I am gone. We reached out to Pakistan International School and partnered with them to offer Urdu language classes for children of 5 years and above. The idea worked and ‘Urdu Club’ was born. In order to make it more interesting for the children, we got our music teacher, Razwan Sarwar, on board to help children learn Urdu nursery rhymes and Pakistani songs.”
“Our children are not only learning Urdu but they are also connecting with their roots,” he added.
“Urdu is not only a language – it’s the voice of our culture and civilization. It’s the link. These Urdu classes are our humble effort to connect our children back to their roots,” he further said.
For members of PPFQ, a fee of QR100 per child per month is charged to cover the expenses. Non-members are also invited to register and they will be charged QR150 per child per month.
PIS has provided their Urdu teachers while there are “Urdu Class Mom” concept as well under which volunteer parents dedicate their time for the class to observe and ensure quality coaching.
Mohsin also got a music teacher from Pakistan on board who also heads the Music Department of a leading school in Qatar. He teaches them Urdu nursery rhymes (which are translated by Mohsin) and national songs.
The classes have been very successful since launch in October 2016. At present 47 students have been enrolled, new session starts in April. Parents who are interested in registering their kids can register from its web site.
The credit not only goes to PPFQ, but to the parents as well who make the effort to bring the kids every weekend and give priority to the cause. The kids are not only learning to read, write and speak Urdu but also enjoy learning Urdu songs.
The ‘Family Fun Day’ at Urdu Club every Friday afternoon makes kids look forward to meeting their friends and learn Urdu in a funny way. In the meantime, their parents can engage in various activities or they socialise over a hot cup of tea. It would be like a fun day for the entire family.
