Finnish lessons for school kids helped in improving their language skills: Hansika and Vihan Velagapudi’s Finnish Language Program by TCAF Ry
In a remarkable effort to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, Hansika Velagapudi and Vihan Velagapudi dedicated the 2023-2024 academic year to teaching Finnish language lessons to children aged 7-14 years. This initiative, well supported by the Telugu Cultural Association of Finland (TCAF RY), aimed to equip young learners with essential Finnish language skills, thereby enhancing their academic performance and integration into Finnish society.
A Year of Learning and Growth
Throughout the academic year, Hansika and Vihan conducted free Finnish language classes, meticulously designed to cater to the needs of their young students living in the Helsinki Metropolitan area but hail from India, Malaysia and Iran. The program divided the students into two groups based on their proficiency levels, with Group 1 comprising 15 students from 1st-3rd grade and Group 2 consisting of 20 students from 4th-8th grade. This division allowed for more personalised and focused teaching, ensuring that each child received the attention and guidance needed to improve and excel.
The curriculum was comprehensive, covering Finnish reading, writing, and speaking skills. Classes were conducted every week on Saturdays with students appearing for the word tests to improve upon their spelling and vocabulary skills and they were also required to send their audio recording as part of their speaking training. The primary focus was to align with the academic requirements of the students, thereby preparing them effectively for their school Finnish exams. Hansika and Vihan’s approach was both structured and adaptive, addressing individual learning paces and styles to maximise educational outcomes.
Community Support and Collaboration
The success of this educational endeavour was significantly bolstered by the TCAF RY. The association’s involvement ensured that all necessary resources were at the disposal of the instructors and students alike. This collaboration highlights the importance of community support in educational initiatives, fostering an environment where cultural and academic pursuits can thrive together.
Impact on Students
The impact of Hansika and Vihan’s teaching was profound. Students not only improved their Finnish language skills in their school but also gained confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in their social life too. This newfound proficiency in Finnish is expected to have long-term benefits, aiding the students in their academic journeys and daily interactions within Finnish society. By focusing on the academic curriculum, the program ensured that students were well-prepared for their school exams, alleviating stress and boosting their performance.
Parents’ feedback
Mrs.Padma Puppala
Many thanks for your incredible efforts. Shreyansh has improved in the following areas .
- Able to better understand Finnish lessons taught at the school, that makes him actively participate in the class.
- Interest in the Finnish language has improved, which adds to his confidence in language.
- Grade level improved from 7.5 to 8
- Speaking related homework has helped in conveying thoughts in the Finnish
Shruti has improved in the following areas: Able to better understand the Finnish lessons taught at the school, that makes her actively participate in the class. In this term, she has gotten many times ”Active in Finnish lessons” from her teacher.Confidence has improved. She does not complain these days about going to Finnish hobby lessons. Speaking related homework has helped in conveying thoughts in Finnish. Shruti’s score was very good in tests conducted at school during this term.
Mrs.Herlena
For Eva, she gained a lot of interest in the Finnish language. I think that’s the hardest step at learning any new language. She gained interest from Vihan’s class and was excited to learn with her friends. She is more engaged in her classroom now and she got a lot of good feedback from her Finnish teacher. Hansika and Vihan are doing us a great favour by helping with her Finnish study. We are forever grateful and indebted with your help!.
Mrs.Anagha Vyas
Would really like to thank you both for your time and efforts you have been giving to really help the kids in the Finnish Language improvement over and above your school and activities. We are grateful to you. For Aarna, it has been really motivating to come to your class. She is enjoying learning from Vihan. She has definitely improved with her skills especially in learning new words and grammar. This has grown her interest and work for developing her Finnish skills. Thank you again so much!
Mr.Phani
Thanks a lot for giving your valuable time to teach kids. Krishna is also showing good improvement this year in Finnish language skills. He too got good remarks from the teacher that he finished homework well and was active during the classes.
Mrs.Savitha Patil
Neil’s grades last year were always 7 and below and now it’s 8! So it’s definitely a huge improvement in his grades and overall level in the language. Thank you for your support and coaching.
Mrs.Mallika
Thank you so much for your time and efforts. Kinshuk feels confident to speak and do his homework independently.
Mrs.Suchetha Bali
Aarush feels more confident about Finnish now and definitely improved his grades too.
Mrs.Leena Bojja
Thank you, Hansika, for your efforts, and classes were very helpful to Ashira and her grade has gone up from 7 to 8.
Mrs.Sheethal
Aaryaman is benefiting from these classes. Thank you for taking out the time and helping the kids out.
Graduation Ceremony
The coaching for the academic year (2023-2024) culminated in a graduation ceremony, where the kids were given their performance grades based on the written examinations conducted twice during the academic year. The event was attended by all the participating students and their parents along with the TCAF RY core team members.
A Model for Future Initiatives
Hansika and Vihan Velagapudi’s Finnish language program serves as an exemplary model for similar educational initiatives. It underscores the importance of tailored teaching methods, community involvement, and the dedication of individuals passionate about education.
Conclusion
The free Finnish language lessons conducted by Hansika and Vihan Velagapudi, supported by TCAF RY, stand as a testament to the power of education and community collaboration. By investing time and effort into teaching young learners, Hansika and Vihan have not only enhanced the academic capabilities of their students but also fostered a sense of belonging and confidence among them. This initiative is a shining example of how dedicated individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of children, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.