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The Right of Indigenous Students to Education in Their Own Language

On this International Mother Language Day, the Global Student Forum reaffirms the fundamental right of indigenous students to access education in their own languages.

The Right of Indigenous Students to Education in Their Own Language
Photo by Azzedine Rouichi / Unsplash

Language is not only a means of communication but a vital part of identity, culture, and history. Indigenous languages carry the knowledge and traditions of entire communities, and education in these languages is essential for preserving these legacies.

We recognize that the right to education in one’s mother language is critical for enhancing learning outcomes, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that indigenous students can fully engage with and contribute to society. However, many indigenous communities continue to face barriers in accessing education in their native languages, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and perpetuating cycles of marginalization.

The Global Student Forum calls on governments, educational institutions, and international organizations to take concrete actions to protect and promote indigenous languages in education systems worldwide. This includes developing inclusive curricula, training educators, and ensuring that language rights are enshrined in national and international policy frameworks.

We stand in solidarity with indigenous students everywhere, advocating for the preservation and promotion of their linguistic and cultural rights, and pledging to continue pushing for a world where all students can learn in a language that is their own.

Communication team profile image Communication team
The Communication team curates Global Student Forums' digital content and prepares publications. It is a small, dedicated team from around the world.