Home languages instruction to improve foundational skills

• In Event: Born to Learn: Foundational learning as a catalyst for education transformation across Africa

Proposal

African children are overwhelmingly taught in a language they do not speak at home. At most one in five students are taught in their home language. However, the evidence demonstrates that even partial use of home language is associated with a higher probability of learners being literate after a full primary school cycle. The presentation provides an overview of the language of instruction policies in Africa and examines the extent to which the continent is addressing its linguistic diversity in its education system.

Author

• Barbara Trudell, SIL Africa Learning & Development