Karin Alfonso and Lia Timson worried that their children would grow up not fully understanding their mothers’ culture and, consequently, their cultural background. They felt that if they gathered like-minded parents to provide Portuguese-language stimuli to their children, this would allow them to learn the language, make friends with other children in the same situation and, in general, better value their bi-cultural advantages. Karin and Lia started the Playgroup, in Manly, NSW, Australia, in July 1999 whilst Karin was pregnant with Maya and Lia already had 18-month-old James, Nicholas followed two years later. Most of the families who attended the very first playgroup sessions are still involved and, we are pleased to say, their children are very proud of their heritage and their bilingualism today.
