Children’s Right to Mother Tongue Primary Education: The Case of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis aimed at exploring the implementation of children’s right to mother tongue
education in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. To achieve this objective, the data were
collected through qualitatively designed interviews and focused group discussion from
students, teachers, principal, parents, focal persons and key government actors from woreda
to regional level. These data’s were triangulated and verified through observation and a
review of relevant documents.
As far as the analysis is concerned, data were analyzed thematically and the finding reveals
that almost all the participants appreciated the multi-dimensional significance of mother
tongue education. The legal instruments of the region also recognized it from the inclusion in
to the regional constitution to the extent of the formulation of regional mother tongue
education strategic plan despite its exclusion of the exogenous nations and nationalities. As a
result, the number of students who are enrolling school by their own mother tongue is
increasing through time. However, the program is being challenged by socio-cultural,
economic and political factors despite efforts are being made to resolve them.
Based on its findings, the research called the stakeholders to develop the program. Hence,
increasing the awareness regarding the significance of mother tongue education, developing
a sense of ownership and contributing as much as one’s ability is allowed to do so are a few
among the recommended measures to be taken
Description
Keywords
Linguistic human rights, Mother tongue and Mother tongue education