Situated in the bustling heart of Millburn downtown, New Jersey, Saakshar Learning Center (SLC) represents Saakshar Singapore’s U.S. franchise, pioneered by Dr. Shilpa Sahay, an educator who has been teaching, researching, and publishing on the usage of education technologies both in the U.S and India. Since its establishment, SLC has been witnessing a flow of students coming and learning the Hindi language in a structured format. At the Center, language meets holistic learning experience in an immersive and enriching environment.

Our dedicated team of experienced educators from the U.S., Singapore, and India is passionate about guiding students on their journey to proficiency in Hindi. Whether your children are embarking on their Hindi journey as a novice or seeking to refine their language skills, our diverse range of courses caters to their individual needs. From foundational vocabulary and grammar to advanced conversation and comprehension, our curriculum is meticulously designed to instill confidence and fluency.

For parents seeking to introduce their children to the beauty of Hindi, look no further. Our Center prides itself on offering a unique learning experience unparalleled in Hindi education. Through an innovative curriculum delivered on a learning management system via video modules, flashcards, audio resources, and thematic activities, we ensure that learning Hindi is not only effective but also enjoyable. Each class integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, focusing on developing practical speaking skills through vocabulary expansion, contextual translation, and weekly assignments.

At SLC, the Hindi classes cater to children of all ages, from preschoolers to high schoolers, with specialized programs designed to suit each age group’s learning needs.

Dear Saakshar Learning Center Families,

Shubh Deepawali! This auspicious day of the festival of lights also marks the 1st anniversary of Saakshar Learning Center (SLC) in Millburn, New Jersey today! Last year, on the 1st of November, we held the first Hindi language class at its Center and I am elated to share that each day since then has been growth driven and fulfilling!

Many children ranging from 4 years to 15 years old have joined SLC’s Hindi language program. Over a year, students have graduated from vyanjans to swars and are on the path to master maatraas and develop Hindi reading and writing skills. From the very 1st day of their classes, students started speaking and understanding Hindi language as each lesson unit of the program is designed to enhance speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Along with its ongoing intensive language learning programs of Aao Khelein (AK) for older kids and Khel Khel Mein (KKM) for younger ones, SLC also launched its early learners (4-6 years) storytelling program as language learning begins in the foundational and formative years of early childhood. SLC also conducted its first Hindi immersion summer camp this year where campers learnt a lot of Hindi and did hands-on crafty projects, music and movement and played outdoor games including cricket and badminton at Taylor park which is right across the Center.

I would especially like to thank all the parents who send their children to SLC! Each one of you has been part of Saakshar’s installation in New Jersey and I proudly share that our program is strong because it is endorsed by you who invest your time in ensuring that your child learns Hindi. I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from my interactions with you all! This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership we share!

To all Saakshar’s friends and supporters, thank you all for being there and endorsing our program! We all share a commonality with Hindi – it brings us closer to our Indian roots! Whether we immigrated to this country or were born in this land to Indian parents, we all have formed our homes and are raising our children with whom we share our stories of India. It’s rightly said that children learn to look at the world through the lens of human stories. And, when we tell our stories in our own language we are able to truly share the emotional contours of our stories. Share the gift of Hindi language learning with your children. We are just round the corner to assist you and your family to achieve this goal!

To celebrate our 1st anniversary, I am very happy to share SLC students’ digital presentations of their Hindi learning. Thank you to each of my wonderful students and wishing many many more to come to us!! Please have a look at our 1st anniversary digital presentation video compilation!

TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION, EITHER CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE OR HERE’S THE LINK: https://youtu.be/0xLGouxIJ9c?si=AZaeKSMCDI6VKA6r

Dhanyawaad,

Shilpa Sahay, PhD
CEO and Director

“Namaste!” With this magical word, I greet my Hindi language students and we set out to explore, enhance, and achieve linguistic skills in every class at Saakshar Learning Center! Being trained in utilizing educational technologies in teaching and learning along with working in early childhood, K-12, and adult education spaces, bringing Saakshar to New Jersey, USA seemed to be a natural calling and fit for me. For over a decade now, I have been teaching undergraduate and graduate student teachers on how to integrate hands-on, constructive and collaborative aids in ensuring efficient learning outcomes. When I saw Saakshar’s content on its delivery platform, I was amazed to see how wonderfully it uses all the contemporary educational resources for easy, engaging, and interactive learning for students. Saakshar instantly clicked with me and I had this unwavering clarity of bringing Sakshar to children of all age groups in New Jersey, where I live and raise my family. Having migrated to the United States from India over fifteen years ago, I understand and appreciate the challenges of adapting to new linguistic and cultural environments in this globalized world. Through SLC, I saw an opportunity to bring the Hindi language to the Indian community abroad who have been missing Hindi in their children’s day-to-day lives. What Saakshar brings uniquely is Hindi language learning to children in a very organized, structured, and contemporary format never seen before.

Since the first day of the launch of the Center, SLC has witnessed students coming in and the community of Hindi learners growing strong. I am delighted to share that our Hindi Language Center has been flourishing, thanks to the dedication of our parents and the enthusiasm of our students. Our curriculum is designed to impart linguistic skills along with instilling an understanding of Indian culture and stories. We often burst into laughter when sometimes children say out Spanish or French words instead of Hindi while we do rapid fire in the class. Research shows that children developing multi-lingual proficiencies have enhanced cognitive abilities, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

Looking ahead, we have a lineup of engaging events and activities planned to further enhance our students’ learning experiences. From summer camps to language immersion programs, these initiatives aim to broaden their horizons and foster a deep appreciation for Hindi language.

Your active involvement in your child’s linguistic development is invaluable. You should feel proud when your little ones master Hindi varnmaala hard sounds like ‘kh’ and ‘bh’ which are difficult on the scale of language abilities. I encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations with your child about their Hindi language learning and collaborate with us to ensure their success.

Together, let us continue to inspire a love for learning and celebrate the beauty of the Hindi language and culture in children. By embracing their heritage language, children gain insights into their ancestral traditions and stories, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to their cultural roots. Give a gift of Hindi language to your child today!

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

धन्यवाद,
Shilpa Sahay, PhD
CEO and Director
Saakshar Learning Center