By Eddah Waithaka
Today, SIL Global joined the world in celebrating the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day (IMLD), a day dedicated to promoting linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
The event, held in Nairobi, brought together government officials, educators, language experts, and community leaders to highlight the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving knowledge, culture, and identity.
In a keynote address, the Country Director of SIL Global emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting indigenous languages, particularly in Kenya.
“When indigenous languages disappear, a wealth of knowledge disappears with them—knowledge in farming practices, health management, and cultural heritage,” the Director stated. “Our languages are not just tools for communication; they are vessels of wisdom and identity.”
SIL Global has been working closely with the Kenyan government, the Ministry of Education, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to develop educational materials in indigenous languages. These resources are now being used in schools, especially in regions where children primarily speak local languages.
The Director praised Kenya’s progressive language policy, which supports and promotes the use of indigenous languages in education and public life. Currently, SIL Global is partnering with 21 language communities across Kenya, collaborating with local agencies to preserve and revitalize endangered languages.
The organization’s efforts extend beyond Kenya; moreover, teams in Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Solomon Islands are also marking IMLD with events that range from radio broadcasts to community walks advocating for endangered languages.
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The celebration also highlighted the global impact of SIL Global’s work. Representatives from the organization participated in events hosted by UNESCO in Paris, while others engaged with media platforms such as Ramogi TV, KTN TV, and Pearl Radio to spread the message of linguistic preservation. The outgoing Executive Director of SIL Global is currently in the Solomon Islands, leading similar celebrations.
The Country Director underscored the importance of teaching children in their mother tongue, noting that it makes learning more accessible, interactive, and enjoyable. “Children feel at ease when they learn in a language they understand. It bridges the gap between the known and the unknown, making education more effective,” the Director explained.
SIL Global’s vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing language as a key driver of sustainable development and community flourishing.
As the world commemorates the sacrifices made by students in Bangladesh in 1952—who fought for the recognition of Bangla as a national language—SIL Global reaffirmed its mission to ensure that every community has access to information and education in the language they value most.
“We believe that language is the heartbeat of culture and development,” the Director concluded. “Together, we can ensure that indigenous languages thrive, preserving the knowledge and heritage they carry for generations to come.
During an interview, Luciana Mreri, a pupil at Ronald Gideon Ngala, thanked the leaders for giving her the chance to write about indigenous languages. She proudly stated that her indigenous language is Taita and described how she uses it in specific situations.
Luciana explained that she speaks Taita when she wants to keep conversations private, whether with a friend, an adult, or someone else. She also mentioned that she does not use the language at home, emphasizing the unique ways she preserves her cultural heritage in her daily life.
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