As the world marks the Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day, World Vision Ghana is calling for urgent policy changes to support mother tongue-based education in Ghana.
The organization highlights the critical role of native language instruction in early education, stressing that children learn best when taught in a language they understand. Research, including a 2016 UNESCO report, consistently shows that early childhood education in a child’s mother tongue enhances literacy, cognitive development, and critical thinking skills.
In many multilingual nations, including Ghana, children often begin school in languages they are not fluent in, leading to low literacy rates and academic struggles. Studies from Nigeria and South Africa reinforce the benefits of first-language literacy, demonstrating that strong foundations in a mother tongue improve learning outcomes and facilitate the acquisition of additional languages.
World Vision Ghana urges policymakers to prioritize local language instruction in primary education, advocating for a clear and comprehensive language policy that supports literacy in both first (L1) and second (L2) languages. Such measures, the organization asserts, will not only improve literacy rates and academic performance but also preserve Ghana’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
“Providing young learners with access to education in their mother tongue is key to building a more inclusive and effective education system,” said Fred Selorm Parku, Technical Program Manager for Reading Improvement and Skills Enhancement (RISE) at World Vision Ghana.
As the world celebrates 25 years of promoting linguistic diversity through International Mother Language Day, World Vision Ghana reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every child in Ghana has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a language they understand.