Promoting the use of one’s mother tongue can play a significant role in tackling the declining literacy rate, according to permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca.
Speaking at the world literacy and numeracy celebrations hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) office in Nabua, Suva, Kuruleca emphasized the importance of using the native language in education, particularly from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through to year three.
“Research highlights the critical importance of mother tongue education during these early years,” Kuruleca stated. She pointed out that various factors, such as class sizes, parental support, additional classroom assistance, availability of teaching resources and teachers, and understanding the children’s backgrounds, all play a part in literacy outcomes.
She urged stakeholders to consider a comprehensive view of the situation rather than relying on assumptions. “It’s not solely about adults or the various initiatives we have undertaken, but more importantly, it is about the needs of the children,” she added.
Kuruleca mentioned that the Ministry of Education is actively involved in regional initiatives coordinated by SPC. She noted that results from the Pacific Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PLNA) were discussed recently, underlining the initiative’s significance.
“We are focusing not just on the ability to read but also on the crucial aspect of understanding and critical thinking,” she concluded.