Role: Supporter

Prabhu Rajendran (‘Panchumittai’ Prabhu)
Author, Storyteller, and Founder of Oongil Kootam & Panchumittai

“I believe in ‘reading for pleasure’ because that is where real learning happens. When children read for pleasure, stories fly across language borders; they experience the taste and aroma of multilingual narratives, making culture more reachable than ever.”
— Prabhu Rajendran

Prabhu Rajendran is a London-based Tamil children’s author, critic, and independent publisher with over a decade of experience in cultural mediation. Through his dual platforms—Panchumittai (Cotton Candy) and Oongil Kootam (Pod of Dolphins)—he acts as a “two-way bridge,” bringing UK-based stories to Tamil audiences and sharing contemporary Tamil literature with the UK diaspora.

Prabhu is a proud supporter of the London City of Languages (LCoL) initiative, contributing to its mission to celebrate and preserve the city’s rich multilingual heritage.

To read more about his role, inititiatives, literature and leadership, please open this document:

Author and educator Yoshito Darmon-Shimamori is proud to support London: City of Languages, an inspiring initiative celebrating the remarkable linguistic and cultural diversity of our capital.

Through books such as “The Parents’ Guide to Raising Multi-literate Children” and the graphic novel “In Search of the Lost Words – A Bilingual Time Travel Adventure”, Yoshito explores the importance of languages, identity, and cultural connection for young people growing up in multilingual environments.

Alongside writing, Yoshito works directly with schools across London, as well as the rest of the UK and Europe, delivering author visits that inspire multilingual students to value and develop their languages. Yoshito also runs workshops for parents and teachers, sharing practical strategies to help children maintain their home languages alive, and grow up proud of and empowered by their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Supporting London: City of Languages reflects Yoshito’s belief that multilingualism is one of the city’s greatest strengths.

Visit his website here: The Library 4 Multilinguals

The learning of languages is essential for developing international and intercultural skills. In our multilingual and multicultural society, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn a language and to celebrate their home and heritage languages.  The British Council is delighted to support London City of Languages.  Initiatives like these play an important role in the recognition of multilingualism as a national asset which should be nurtured.

Find out more about how the British Council supports international education and language learning in the UK: School and teacher resources | British Council

Adèle Venter, Chair of ISLA writes:

“The Independent Schools’ Modern Languages Association (ISMLA) is delighted to endorse London: City of Languages – an inspiring initiative that celebrates the extraordinary linguistic and cultural diversity of our capital

ISMLA schools are passionate advocates for modern languages as a means of deepening understanding between people and cultures. We are proud supporters of World of Languages, Languages of the World (WoLLoW), in which many of our member schools take part, and we regularly sponsor events that bring languages to life across the city – from debating and theatre festivals to inter-school student and teacher conferences that celebrate multilingualism.

London: City of Languages captures what we most value in language learning: curiosity, connection, and cross-cultural understanding. There is immense scope to develop a culture of celebration around the home languages spoken within our communities, helping all learners to see language as central to education and identity. By drawing on these linguistic riches, we can promote agility, authenticity, and openness – qualities that equip young people to respond confidently to global challenges and opportunities. Through our local and international partnerships, we see daily the close ties that multilingualism can forge – between schools, cultures, and people.

We look forward to supporting this programme as it grows – especially through partnership opportunities between schools – and to seeing London’s linguistic vibrancy continue to inspire the next generation of language learners.”

The Goethe-Institut London contributes to London: City of Languages by sharing its commitment to multilingualism, intercultural dialogue and inclusive language learning

As Germany’s cultural institute, we promote knowledge of the German language and foster international cultural exchange. Located in South Kensington, we offer language courses, cultural events and a welcoming library space that connects Londoners with contemporary Germany.

London: City of Languages reflects the values we live every day – openness, inclusion and the joy of multilingual exchange. We believe that language is a gateway to understanding, creativity and community. Through our work with schools and partners in the education and culture sectors, we help make language learning visible and accessible across the city and all the UK.

We’re delighted to be part of this grassroots movement that celebrates the rich diversity of languages spoken across our communities and everyday lives. Together, we’re building a city where every language is valued, and every voice can be heard.

We contribute by opening our doors to curious minds, sharing our programme of events and inviting Londoners to engage with language in creative and meaningful ways. Whether through film, literature, conversation or classroom learning, we aim to spark connections and make the city’s linguistic diversity visible, accessible and celebrated.

We believe that the linguistic diversity of London is one of its greatest strengths, enriching our communities, schools and workplaces. We celebrate the many languages spoken across London, recognising them as a vital asset that strengthens our identity as an inclusive, vibrant and outward looking city. 

Find out more about us on our webpage.

René Koglbauer, Chair of ALL, writes:
The Association for Languages (ALL) is proud to support London: City of Languages – a vibrant celebration of the languages used and studied across the capital. 

ALL members believe in the power of language to connect people, spark joy, and build community. That spirit is encapsulated each year at our Language World conference, and it’s inspiring to see it ripple outwards through this initiative.

What makes London: City of Languages so special is its celebration of everyone who uses languages every day – in homes, streets, workplaces, and cultural spaces. It’s inclusive, practical, and joyful, welcoming everyone regardless of language, age, or background.

We’re delighted that London now joins other Cities of Languages and we’ll be using our national networks to spread the word and encourage members to get involved with all the Cities – whether by sharing stories, hosting events, or simply celebrating the linguistic richness around them.

Twinkl’s Lightning Languages team is excited to join in the London: City of Languages celebrations! We are proud to have collaborated with the Association for Language Learning (ALL) and the inspiring Sheffield City of Languages initiative to create special free resource collections.

For us, language learning is about more than words: it’s about building confidence, curiosity and understanding. With the help of our mascot Ursa Lingua, the bear of many languages, we show children how fun it can be to explore new cultures and discover the many ways people communicate.

By supporting London: City of Languages, we’re celebrating diversity, inspiring young learners and sharing the joy that comes from discovering the world’s many languages.

The Association for Language Learning London Branch is delighted to support the London: City of Languages initiative. We were honoured to host the first face-to-face brainstorming session at our June 2025 event.

Our branch delivers a programme of well-attended events throughout the year, designed to help teachers inspire learners to enjoy and pursue language study. These events also enable constructive collaboration with language institutes and corporate sponsors who share our commitment to promoting language education.

We recognise the breadth of language-related activity across London and the many opportunities it offers to enrich professional practice and to motivate students. By sharing details of our own events, and by encouraging our members to highlight their contributions, we aim to help ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from this vibrant celebration of languages.