As the world marks International Mother Language Day on February 21, attention is turning to a pressing global challenge: millions of children begin school in a language they neither speak nor fully understand.<\/p>\n
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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation estimates that around 40% of the world\u2019s population lacks access to education in a language they understand, a reality with profound implications in Africa, the most linguistically diverse continent.<\/p>\n
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Prudence Erens, Programmes Manager at Nal\u2019ibali, says mother tongue education is critical not only for cultural preservation but for literacy, confidence and identity. She explains that a child\u2019s home language is the foundation through which they understand the world and removing it from the classroom can weaken comprehension and participation.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhen children learn in a language they understand, their engagement and confidence are noticeably stronger,\u201d Erens says, adding that research shows improved outcomes when learners are taught in their mother tongue, particularly in early education.<\/p>\n
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Addressing concerns that local-language instruction may disadvantage children in a global economy, Erens points to evidence suggesting the opposite. She notes that strong grounding in a home language makes it easier for learners to acquire additional languages such as English or French.<\/p>\n
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This year\u2019s theme focuses on youth and multilingual education, reinforcing the call for policies that turn language into a tool for opportunity rather than a barrier to development.<\/p>\n
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–ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n
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