15 years Tamil school in Konz

Association hands over anniversary photo book to Mayor Weber

There has been a Tamil school in the Saarmosel town of Konz for more than 15 years. There, children and young people whose families come from Sri Lanka and southern India learn to read and write in Tamil at the weekend. They also get to know the Tamil tradition and receive instruction in the Hindu religion. The goal is that they don't forget their roots and become cosmopolitan adults. "Living between the two traditions should lead to the acceptance of both cultures," says the Tamil educational association "Thamilalayam", which runs 110 such schools nationwide.

For the anniversary in Konz, the school has put together an illustrated book. It shows scenes from school life - in the classroom or at performances.

The mayor of the city and municipality of Konz, Joachim Weber, wrote a greeting for the book. As a thank you for these words, representatives of the "Thamilalayam Konz" association presented the illustrated book personally in the town hall.

At the moment, eight children and young people are being taught in the school, which uses the rooms of the St. Johann elementary school. A student does not have a Tamil background but would like to learn and experience the language and culture. "Our school is there for everyone," said headmaster Piraveenan Kathiravelautham when the illustrated book was handed over in Konz town hall. He himself was once a student at the Tamil school in Konz and hopes that the institution will continue to exist for many years to come.