The Buddharrungsee Thai Community Language School marked the end of its first full year with a celebration and fund-raising luncheon at Thirroul on Saturday.
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The school, established in August last year, meets each Saturday afternoon at Towradgi Public School, with students travelling from southern Sydney and the South Coast to attend.
The school's principal, Thidarat Thongdang, said the aim of the school was to encourage the Thai community to pass on skills and knowledge to the next generation, by providing lessons on Thai language and culture.
Ms Thongdang said there were about 500 families in the Illawarra with a Thai background.
The school is a non-profit organisation.
"We started with five children and including my daughter and my son," Ms Thongdang said.
"Now we have 15 students and have five volunteer teachers."
On Saturday Thai consul-general Biravij Suwanpradhes and Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery were among the guests to enjoy a Thai lunch and watch Thai classical performances by the students.
Funds raised from the ticket sales, raffles and auction will support the project for 2013.
To contact the school, email btcl.illawarra@gmail.com.
