Mother tongue education is important – regardless of whether you live in South Africa or abroad. Research shows that children taught in their mother tongue perform better at both school and tertiary level. The core of mother tongue education is that children learn the fundamental concepts of a subject in their mother tongue. Once they grasped it, they can apply it in a second language. Therefore, many parents consider initial mother tongue education as a good option; some parents abroad even choose to home-school their children for that reason.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, children between the ages of six and sixteen are legally obliged to go to school. You must apply to the Department of Education and get permission to home-school your children. The Department will then determine if you meet all the legal requirements.

Australia

Six states in Australia each have their own legislation regarding education. Home-schooling is legal in all six, but you must register with the local education department. Each state has its own requirements that you have to meet.

Canada

In Canada, each province also has its own legislation regarding home-schooling. Alberta, for example, requires parents to register with the province and have their education programme approved. There are three options:

• You can draw up your own curriculum.
• You can use the government’s curriculum.
• You can follow a school’s curriculum.

England

In England, it is legal to home-school your child either part-time or full-time. If your child is already enrolled in a school, you must write a letter to the teacher stating that you want to take your child out of school. And you don’t have to follow the national school curriculum. However, learners applying for tertiary education must submit academic certificates and a college or university may require the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-level result or require them to write the examination.

If home-schooling is not possible

It is also possible that you choose to enrol your children in a local school instead. Although they then are educated in another language, there are other options to ensure that they continue to learn in their mother tongue. Here are some things you as a parent can do:

1. Read in your mother tongue

Reading not only improves children’s general knowledge, language skills and communication skills, but also exposes them to a much wider world than just the country in which they live. If you encourage your children to keep reading their mother tongue, you expose them to their mother tongue and culture. This ensures that they remain rooted in their ancestry.

2. Make your mother tongue a part of your life

You are your children’s best example of the language you want them to learn. As a parent, you can make sure that your mother tongue is part of your family’s daily life. Play music and watch TV shows in your mother tongue (the internet makes it so easy), prepare traditional dishes and chat with them in their mother tongue.

3. Celebrate International Mother Language Day on 21 February

In 1999, UNESCO instituted International Mother Language Day to raise awareness of the importance of mother tongue education and multilingualism. On this day, we celebrate the diversity of the world’s mother tongues and encourage people to be proud of their origins and preserve their culture and heritage. By celebrating International Mother Language Day every year, you as a parent can teach your children how important and rich their cultural background is.