unicef and Cameroon celebrate mother tongue day with multilingual education push

The 27th edition of the International Mother Language Day celebrations in Cameroon concluded in Nanga Eboko on February 27, 2026, following a week of nationwide initiatives aimed at celebrating linguistic diversity and advancing multilingual education.

The event, held under the theme “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” highlighted the pivotal role of young learners in preserving and promoting mother tongues. These languages are seen as essential tools for effective learning and cultural heritage conservation.

Government and UNESCO unite to strengthen multilingual education

The closing ceremony was attended by Cameroon’s Minister of Basic Education, Professor Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, alongside Hilaire Mputu, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa. Mputu reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing multilingualism in education, emphasizing the importance of learning in one’s mother tongue during early schooling years.

UNESCO advocates for mother-tongue-based education as a proven strategy to enhance educational quality and student success. Through strategic programs and partnerships with member states, the organization champions the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity, recognizing it as a cornerstone of sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

The International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the critical role of mother tongues in education, knowledge transmission, and social cohesion.

Cultural performances showcase Cameroon’s linguistic richness

The event featured vibrant cultural and linguistic performances by primary school students, showcasing the linguistic and cultural diversity across Cameroon’s regions. These presentations underscored the invaluable role of mother tongues as vehicles of knowledge, memory, and social unity.

UNESCO’s participation reinforces its dedication to supporting member states in promoting multilingual education and safeguarding linguistic heritage, in line with the objectives of International Mother Language Day.