It was in 2005 that Abba Vittorio was assigned to the St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic
church as the Chaplain of the Eritrean Catholic community. With the collaboration
of the visiting Capuchin sisters from Eritrea and volunteers from the parish
community, he managed to start some Tigrigna and cultural classes in the basement
of the church. As the place was not very convenient, Abba Vittorio delegated
Mr. Bahlibi to look for possibilities that the Tigrigna School be part of the
international languages of Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). This
was accomplished in February 2006 and as a result St. Mary of the Angels Catholic
School was assigned for Saturdays for the Tigrigna school program.
The success of the school encouraged the leaders of the school to apply to the
ministry of education so that Tigrigna credit courses be given to the students
after finishing grade 8. In collaboration with TCDSB and ministry of education,
permit was granted in 2008 to run grade 9 and 10 credit courses at the same
time with the elementary classes. At any given time of the year there are at
least 200 elementary and secondary students at all levels from JK to grade 10
where all students are placed with the same age group or the same class they
attend in the regular day school program.
The school was established over 15 years ago and its success is mainly
due to the strong stand of the school bringing all Eritrean children to learn
their language and be proud of their heritage regardless of their religious
or political differences. The dedication of the parents and parents committee
and the positive attitude of the instructors towards unity of Eritreans played
a big role in the success of the school.
International Languages, Tigrigna
St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School, Toronto
The
grade 10 "Tigrigna high school credit course" is offered at this School
(administered by TCDSB). |
About the School |
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