International Mother Language Day
21 February
In 1999 UNESCO approved the idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day. It has been observed throughout the world since 2000. At that time only 3% of the worlds languages were used in education. Globally 40% of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand.
Education Mob joins the world in observing International Mother Language Day and believes multicultural societies exist through languages which transmit and preserve local knowledge and cultures.
Education Mob recognizes and supports efforts of communities to include their community languages into school programs. While formal bilingual programs have suffered in recent times many communities are still making commendable efforts to keep mother tongue literacy programs alive in their community school.
Education Mob also supports International Mother Language Day because when children build a strong foundation of literacy and school learning in their first language, it provides the basis for learning in a second language. In the Northern Territory, that means English.
Classroom display in Pitjantjatjara at Areyonga School. Areyonga School Collection.
Digital Keeping Place - NE1-0149288
Resources
Digital Keeping Place - About Bilingual Education in the NT
Digital Keeping Place - Bilingual Education Resources
ABC Behind the News - International Mother Tongue Day (Includes links to Teacher Resources)
International Mother Tongue Day - Wikipedia