In Novi Sad (Новый Сад), Serbia, children are taught their mother language from childhood. In the new 2016/2017 school year, children will learn Rusyn in one of the preschools, which our children also attend. The classes will be fit to their age, i.e. activities involving talking and illustrations will be emphasized. The evening school of Rusyn language for the youngest will be open on Wednesdays from 6PM to 7PM. Rusyn language teaching in the Novi Sad preschool is organized within the Учиме руски язик (We teach Rusyn) project. The Rusyn language association (which deals also with the culture and literature), which works towards organization of a place for teaching children their mother tongue, appeals to parents that they should sign their children up for the evening Rusyn language classes. For the parents who are interested, more information in the link.
Learning your mother language from childhood brings you the most benefit. In Lemkovyna, as well as among Lemko diaspora all over Poland, such professional projects – places in which children could go to learn their Lemko mother language – have not been organized yet (there is some informal group in Przemków/Pshemkiv). However, many children encounter Rusyn for the first time at their classes in elementary school. There are several elementary schools in Lemkovyna, as well as in exile, where Rusyn classes are taught. Although these are very important accents in young Lemkos’ education, there is a constant question whether some solutions should be found in order to organize a Lemko preschool in Lemkovyna, at least in the evenings. Lemkovyna could follow Serbia’s example, but also the example of Prešov Rus’ where classes for preschoolers take place during the day. These are schools in Rusyn villages, where preschools are combined with elementary schools. Let us hope we will have the same opportunity, soon.
source: Рутенпрес (Ruthenpress)
інфо. за: Рутенпрес