Youth perspectives on multilingual education framed the 27th edition of Cameroon’s Mother Language Day, emphasizing how young learners are pivotal in both preserving local languages and enhancing educational outcomes.

The closing ceremony was led by Cameroon’s Minister of Basic Education, Professor Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, alongside UNESCO’s Central Africa Regional Director, Mr. Hilaire Mputu. They underscored the critical role of mother tongue instruction—especially in early education—as a cornerstone for improved learning quality and academic success.

UNESCO’s global mission includes championing multilingual education and safeguarding linguistic diversity, recognizing these as essential to sustainable development and intercultural dialogue. The International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, serves as a global reminder of how mother tongues underpin education, knowledge transfer, and social cohesion.

The event featured vibrant performances by primary school students, showcasing Cameroon’s rich linguistic and cultural tapestry. Through its involvement, UNESCO reaffirmed its dedication to helping member states advance multilingual education and protect linguistic heritage—key pillars of the International Mother Language Day initiative, which promotes mother tongue learning as a pathway to preserving knowledge, memory, and social unity.