The body of research that shows that young children learn best first in their mother tongue is indisputable. Yet, across the globe, education systems pay no, or little, heed to this fact. Children fail to learn in the early grades, not because they cannot learn, but because they have difficulty learning in a foreign language.
Furthermore, many teachers lack of familiarity with the language of instruction is, in many cases, an additional factor in poor learning outcomes.
In addition, a quality education is about more than pure academics. It is about contributing to the foundation of citizenship. It is about enabling individuals to live lives of dignity and to contribute to their lives and those of their families, communities, and nations—their societies and cultures. A quality education contributes to identity and to the ability to make good decisions. As such, language is a key element in this aspect of building lives and nations.
This paper uses this over-arching framework to summarize what is known about the linkages between indigenous languages and education. It presents a range of approaches that are being implemented worldwide to take advantage of this body of research in an attempt to provide alternatives to those who are facing the challenge of teaching and learning in environments where more than one language is present.
In 2025, Education Above All Foundation continued to advance its mission of ensuring that marginalised children and youth have the opportunity to learn, thrive…
This case study, conducted by Education Above All (EAA) Foundation in partnership with Education Development Trust, examines HES activities implemented in five partner projects…
This discussion paper explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing pressing global challenges, particularly in education. Despite over 1 billion people…
At first glance, the challenges confronting out of school children (OOSC) may appear entirely external: poverty, discrimination, hunger, and systemic exclusion. So, why look inward?…
Impact
"Humanity will not overcome the immense challenges we face unless we ensure that children get the quality education that equips them to play their part in the modern world." -- HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
June 27, 2026
