Young authors launch dual-language books

Nhill Lutheran School student authors have launched another series of dual-language Karenenglish children’s books.

The authors symbolically ‘launched’ their books by releasing them in the school’s assembly hall, attached to a helium balloon.

Hindmarsh Shire councillor Debra Nelson launched the latest series of books, which follows on from an inaugural series published in 2016.

Of the eight authors of the second series, three also produced a book in the first series.

The publishing project was initiated by Nhill Community Action Network, which identified a need for children’s books for Karen migrant families at Nhill.

Nhill Lutheran School students have been learning the Karen language as their Language Other Than English, LOTE, subject and took on the book project as part of their LOTE studies.

Students were required to illustrate and write their story and translate it into the Karen language.

Eight students completed the project, with support from their Karen language teacher. Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN provided graphic design services to prepare the manuscripts for professional printing.

Many of the parents in the Karen migrant community are learning English and these books, with text written in both English and Karen, enable parents to read with their children.

The books are available through Hub.

Karen families who take their children to the town’s maternal and child health nurse for their six, 12 and 18-month check-up, along with their three-and-ahalf the Nhill Children’s year check-up, will receive a free book as part of the Let’s Read program.

People can also purchase the books from Nhill Lutheran School.