15 November 2016 - Every Saturday of the month since July 2016, an excited group of Filipino children based in Switzerland gather for the Kwentuhan Sabado traveling playgroup to learn about Philippine language and culture through stories, songs and play activities.

Kwentuhang Sabado was formed by a group of four young Filipina mothers who live in Lucerne, Zurich and Basel. The team hopes to create a community for other Filipino-Swiss families who share their passion for Philippine culture through Filipino books, crafts and activities.

On November 12, Embassy representatives visited the Kwentuhang Sabado session in Schüpfheim, Lucerne. Children ranging from 18 months to eight years participated in the storytelling activity with Filipino children’s books and in singing Filipino songs.

All playgroup sessions are conducted entirely in the Filipino language.Kwentuhang Sabado believes that all Filipino children, whether or not they grew up abroad, should learn to communicate with the Filipino mother tongue in order to preserve their connection to the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy supports Kwentuhang Sabado for helping young children reconnect with the Filipino culture through Filipino language, literature, songs and games.
The Embassy likewise believes that opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression of the Philippines— valuable resources for ensuring a better future— are all preserved for the next generation when we continue to use the Filipino mother tongue.
Kwentuhang Sabado invites all Filipino-Swiss families who wish to celebrate Philippine culture through reading and play and hope to raise children rooted in their Filipino heritage.
More information about the group and its playgroup schedules and venues are available at https://kuwentuhangsabado.wordpress.com/. END