Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Language and Education: A Force for Peace

"Education can be a force for preventing conflict, reconstructing countries after conflict, and building peace". Jose Ramos-Horta (Timor Leste), Nobel Peace Prize, 1996.
©UNICEF Myanmar/2013/ Jim Holmes
For children who speak minority languages, mother-tongue based education, particularly in the early grades, is critical for improving attendance in school as well as learning outcomes. Whether or not children are taught in their mother-tongue is closely linked with opportunities for social, citizenship and economic advancement.