Literacy and Livelihoods for 445 Women in Nepal

Yakthung Academy Nepal (YA-Nepal) was organised International Mother Language Day February 21, 2017 (IMLD17) with financial and technical support from Language Development Centre Nepal (LDC-Nepal).

 Forty-three participants were participated in the celebration of IMLD17 in Phidim. They are Limbu IK holders, local government representatives and NGO members. All are agreed to work together to promote, preserve and develop Limbu language and culture through language, education and development activities.

 The IMLD17 was celebrated based on two papers (1) Multilingual Education in Nepal and International Mother Language Day 2017, Pushker Kadel, LDC-Nepal Director and (2) Limbu language in school education; Situation and Solutions, Asst. Prof Harichandra Lawati. It was very lively interaction to understand language issue in basic education.

 Pushker Kadel's paper was focused "good-quality education for all is truly one of the most powerful instruments to make prosperous country through language-based early education. He added that if we able to use mother language in education, it will also give us pride, prestige and power." One of the IK holder, Sesemi Se Nalbo said, "it is true pride, prestige and power will resume if Limbu language will use as a language of instruction in education and an official language."

 Harichandra Lawati's paper was raised issues about reducing numbers of Limbu speaker because new generations are not aware and encourage to use Limbu language at home. He said, "first we must have start to use Limbu language in daily conversation at home as well in community and second, create an environment to use Limbu language in school education as a language of instruction."

Commitments:

• They will encourage and support the new generation to use Limbu language in daily conversation at home and community
• They will support to promote and develop Limbu language in coordination with local schools, government offices and Limbu Indigenous Knowledge (IK) holders

 Achievements:

• One expert committee was formed with nine members to promote and develop Limbu language and culture as well indigenous skills in future.
• Three national newspaper was made special news about IMLD17 celebration, which is very powerful advocacy about language and culture issue in Nepal
• Limbu parents are requesting us (by telephone) for our support to introduce Limbu language as a language of instruction in local schools and literacy classes.  

 We were able to make effective approach to parents and IK holders for their involvement to promote their language and culture through basic education (formal and non-formal). 

"The use of mother tongue in education will help to create educational, emotional, vocational and spiritual motivation among the learners." (P. Kadel, 2017) For this great cooperation and partnership is required with development partners, individuals and local government.

Challenge:

We are also facing difficulties to link with potential international donors (individuals or institutions) for their support. Due to this, we are struggling to continue and expand project activities. We are hopeful and will have good news.

We are grateful for your support. Thank you.

Pushker Kadel, LDC-Nepal Director

Email: pushker.kadel@gmail.com