The use of mother tongues can play a significant role in tackling the declining literacy rates, according to permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca. During the World Literacy and Numeracy celebrations hosted at the Pacific Community (SPC) office in Nabua, Suva, Ms. Kuruleca emphasized the importance of using the local language, particularly from Early Childhood Education through to Year Three.
She referred to research highlighting the value of mother tongue education and pointed out various factors influencing literacy, including classroom sizes, home support, additional classroom assistance, resource availability, teacher presence, and an understanding of children’s backgrounds.
Ms. Kuruleca urged stakeholders to approach the issue comprehensively instead of relying solely on assumptions. She emphasized that the focus should be on the needs of the children rather than the efforts of adults.
Additionally, she mentioned that the Ministry of Education is actively involved in regional initiatives alongside the SPC. The recent results from the Pacific Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PLNA) were discussed, underscoring that literacy encompasses not just the ability to read, but also comprehension and critical thinking skills.