Pallikoodam Malayalam Community Language School
Established in 2018, Pallikoodam is a Malayalam language school dedicated to promoting and teaching the language and culture of Kerala to the NSW community. We are a member of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools and are affiliated with the NSW Department of Education (DET). We currently have a total of 50 students enrolled in our school.
Pallikoodam is a not-for-profit school voluntarily managed by its staff and teachers.
Pallikoodam is registered with NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority), and our teachers are trained by NESA and Sydney University. Our teachers and volunteers have Working with Children Check clearance from Service NSW.
We are the first Malayalam school in NSW to have made our own textbook for Level -1. This book has been specifically designed by our teachers to support and match the needs of the Australian curriculum. We will be continuing this venture to design textbooks for all levels in the future.
Why learn Malayalam?
Malayalam is the language spoken in Kerala, a southern state of India, and one amongst the 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India. With over 35 million native speakers, Malayalam is the 8th most spoken language in India. The diaspora of enterprising Malayalees outside Kerala has led to the spreading of the language both within India and internationally.
The Malayalam language has the status of a classical language along with Sanskrit and Tamil. The oldest written evidence is traced back to as early as the 9th century. The language is rich in literature and is poetic in nature. The initial literature was based on poetry and songs as early as the 12th century and the language evolved over time with addition from other languages like Sanskrit and Tamil.
Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in multiple languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility.
Why learn Malayalam at Pallikoodam?
We at Pallikoodam, want to give the children with Malayalee heritage growing up in Sydney, the opportunity to get acquainted with their mother tongue and culture of their parents and extended family. When they visit their hometown in Kerala, they would be happy to interact and communicate using Malayalam as the medium.
To keen travelers, Kerala is known as “God’s own country” and is known for its coastlines, backwaters, and mountain ranges. Knowledge of its native language can pack a punch in travel. These were the key motives behind starting the school.
Pallikoodam has a dedicated team of selfless volunteer teachers and staff. The school follows a structured syllabus and class system. Students get the opportunity to learn and practice the Malayalam language and Kerala culture through various school activities and events.
Our Story
Pallikoodam Community Language School was established in 2018 as an AMIA NSW initiative, a non-profit community organization. The aim of the school is to promote awareness of the Malayalam language and work together to preserve Malayalam Language and its cultural values and enrich the multicultural identity of New South Wales.
Pallikoodam aims to assist all the Malayalee community members in and around Sydney to obtain benefits of learning Malayalam and Kerala Culture.
After 3 years of growth, the Pallikoodam Malayalam Community Language School now has more than 50 students and a dedicated faculty of teachers and volunteers to take the school for further achievements.
Pallikoodam has been honoured with a number of awards including being the Finalists in Cumberland Council’s 2021 Community Pride Awards.