Ekushe Academy Australia (EAA)/Ekushey Academy Australia is a secular, non-political and non-profitable organization of Bangladeshi community in Sydney, Australia. The association was formed in 1999 as part of a growing need for a platform for Bangladeshi community to celebrate their language and culture. From the start, Ekushe Academy Australia wanted to create an space for Bangladeshi community where they can practice, preserve and spread their national identity for the new generation of Bangladeshi-Australians. With the slogan “Conserve Your Mother Language“, the academy aims to foster multiculturalism in Australia by bridging the gap between the East and the West by knowing each others native language, culture and heritage.
Ekushe Academy Australia (EAA) is managed by a thirteen-member Executive Committee (EC), elected by its financial Members. Tenure of the EC is two years and members of the EC work on honorary basis. The Academy also has its own constitution. The organization is in the process of build a library and an information center.
Mission
To mainly institute and promote the Bangla language, its literature and cultural practices among Bangalees and to create awareness of mother language in the Australian multicultural society.
Objectives
- To organize a day-long Book Fair and cultural program every year, dedicated to immortal the 21st (Ekushey) February and the International Mother Language Day (IMLD).
- To uphold the aspirations of IMLD in the Australian Multicultural Society and among the Bangla speaking people of the world as a whole.
- To establish a well maintained Library with books, journals, newspapers, DVDs and other electronic media and reference materials on Bangla and Bangladesh and the world, thereby creating an opportunity for a lifelong learning process.
- To inspire the younger generation about multilingual and cultural diversity and to help them nurturing their own ethnic language (Mother Tongue) and to share the multicultural spirit.
- To work in collaboration with and to provide continuous support to other organizations having similar objectives of enhancing the acceptability and recognition of the Bangla language and its promotion in Australia.
- To organize regular seminars, symposiums and cultural activities and festivals to promote Bangladesh.
Activites
- Observe International Mother Language Day
- Organize Bangladeshi book fair
- Organize discussion/seminar
- OrganizeBlood donation event
- Build a close relationship with the Australian community etc.
President: Dr. Abdul Wahab
General Secretary: Laurence Barrel