International Mother Language Day 2025: World Vision Ghana Highlights the Need for Inclusive Language Policies
By Fred Selorm Parku, Reading Improvement and Skills Enhancement (RISE) Technical Program Manager, World Vision Ghana
World Vision Ghana joins the global community in commemorating International Mother Language Day 2025 under the theme "Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day."
This milestone marks 25 years of efforts to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education, reinforcing the critical role of mother tongue-based learning in ensuring inclusive and high-quality education, particularly in early childhood and primary education.
Research has consistently demonstrated that children develop stronger reading and comprehension skills when they are taught in their first language. A 2016 UNESCO report highlights that early education in a child’s mother tongue improves learning outcomes, strengthens cognitive development, and reinforces critical thinking and cultural identity. A study conducted in Nigeria further found that mother tongue-based early childhood education significantly improved children's learning skills and fostered greater confidence and participation in school (ResearchGate).
Similarly, research from South Africa indicates that literacy instruction in a child’s native language enhances reading skills in both their first language and English, proving that a strong foundation in one’s mother tongue facilitates the acquisition of additional languages (CGD).
Despite this evidence, many children in multilingual countries like Ghana begin their education in a language they are not fluent in, contributing to low literacy rates and academic challenges. Addressing this issue requires deliberate policies that support mother tongue-based education to ensure better learning outcomes.
World Vision Ghana calls on policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to prioritise early education in local languages. Providing young learners with access to instruction in their mother tongue is essential to improving literacy rates, enhancing academic performance, and preserving Ghana’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
World Vision Ghana strongly urges the Government of Ghana to implement a clear and comprehensive language policy for primary education, which is crucial, one that supports literacy development in both first (L1) and second (L2) languages.
Such a policy will help build an inclusive education system that embraces linguistic diversity while equipping future generations with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.
WHO WE ARE
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Our integrated focus is that We are Christian, Child-Focused and Community Empowering. https://www.wvi.org/video/world-vision-who-we-are