Philippines: The right to learn in one's own language

[Francis Hult]

Inquirer.net

 

The right to learn in one's own language

By Magtanggol Gunigundo

"Education is power. And language is the key to accessing that power." 

 

When a child receives an education in a language that he or she does not understand, this violates the child's right to be literate and be educated. Articles 28 and 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provide that all children have the right to an education and to learn and use the language of his family.

 

A few months ago, I authored a bill (HB 3719) in the House of Representatives calling for the use of the first language as the primary medium of instruction from preschool to Grade 6. I also advocated for the strong teaching of English and Filipino in the elementary grades, but only as separate subjects and not as media of instruction.

 

Full story:

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080906-159007/The-right-to-learn-in-ones-own-language

_______________________________________________
Edling mailing list
Edling at lists.sis.utsa.edu
https://lists.sis.utsa.edu/mailman/listinfo/edling
List Manager: Francis M. Hult