Safa Zahir, a student at the Victorian School of Languages.
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On Saturday, October 25, Greater Shepparton Secondary College hosted a vibrant Cultural and Languages Expo, bringing together students, families and community members to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the region.
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The event showcased the many languages taught through the Victorian School of Languages, highlighting the important role language learning plays in preserving heritage and fostering inclusion.
The expo featured a full day of live performances, food stalls, workshops and cultural displays. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the wide range of language programs offered by VSL, which supports more than 40 languages across Victoria.
Established in 1935, VSL provides face-to-face and online classes for students from Prep to Year 12, helping young Victorians maintain strong connections to their cultural roots while achieving academic excellence.
This year’s expo held extra significance, as it also celebrated the Class of 2025 VSL graduates.
Among them was Year 12 Greater Shepparton student Safa Zahir, who proudly accepted his certificate as a graduating VCE student in his own language.
“It was such a proud moment for me,” Safa said.
“Studying at the Victorian School of Languages for 10 months was an amazing and powerful experience. We learned so much about our culture, language and identity, which helped us stay connected to our roots.”
The event not only celebrated language and culture but also underscored the value of multilingual education in building a more inclusive and connected community across Greater Shepparton.
The Greater Shepparton Secondary College gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant display of culture.
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The expo highlighted the importance of multilingual education.
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