It is due to the dominance of Burmese language in governance and education, especially in primary education level, as well as its marginalization of ethnic minority languages that social inequalities are created and perpetuated. Ethnic children are unable to critically think and cannot comprehend lessons, resulting in lower academic achievement. According to some of the academic research, children who learn in their mother tongue first perform better academically in the long run.
This MTB MLE program aims to address the challenges of mother tongue-based education in Karenni. The program’s objectives are to:
- Develop curriculum materials in the Karenni (Kayah) language, in support of Karenni Education Strengthening.
- Increase awareness of the benefits of MTB MLE among parents and communities and other stakeholders.