By Olayinka Olawale
The Voice of Nigeria (VON) is spearheading the commemoration of the “World International Mother Tongue Day” by hosting a webinar in conjunction with other stakeholders in Nigeria’s information and cultural sector.
The Director, Public Affairs of the VON, Mr AbdurRazak AbdusSalam said in a press statement on Wednesday in Lagos that the commemorative webinar would be held on Feb. 22.
According to AbdusSalam, VON, United Nation Information Centre (UNIC) and other stakeholders will join global attention to focus on the use of mother language in education on Feb. 19 in Lagos.
“Speakers expected at the meeting include the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chief Executives of partnering organisations, media managers, development experts and scholars from various backgrounds,’’ the director stated.
The host stakeholders are the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
“Consequently, the UNESCO headquarters has scheduled a webinar on Feb. 19 to set the tone for this year’s commemoration.’’
He said that the webinar would key into the objectives of this year’s commemoration as set by the UNESCO, using the Nigerian peculiarities of the educational system, media programming and cultural initiatives.
“The aim of the webinar is to enhance education through inclusive policy, practice in teaching and learning integrating multilingualism.
“It will also promote a comprehensive inclusive early childhood education and care with all children living and learning together through multilingualism.
“It will also contribute to developing and sustaining inclusive society through multilingualism,’’ the statement read in part.
The webinar will address two themes that include “Rethinking Inclusive Policy and Practice in Teaching and Learning in Multilingual Contexts”.
The other is “Enhancing Inclusion through Multilingualism, Including Sign Language, in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE), the Foundation for Learning”.
The World International Mother Tongue Day is commemorated every Feb. 21.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Fostering Multilingualism for Inclusion in Education and Society.” (NAN)
