MOTHER’S TONGUE LITERACY: Igede language on my mind.
Is literacy the answer to everything? Most certainly NO, but it is part of one. We need a mind-set reform in order to tackle the problems facing the spread of knowledge and skills of reading and writing in Igede language. Literacy improves the social, economic and political life of an individual and subsequently that of a tribal or nation. Yet, the system seems unable to act with speed and effectiveness most nation needs. The change we need is everybody’s business.
The one-million pounds question is- is Igede tribe making progress in reaching the goal of making every Igede person to acquire the ability to read and write in the language? Given the political will and available resources; the goal is achievable. One of the best ground to realising the goal is through conscious action and interest from relevant stakeholders and the willingness to commit time and money into the project. Many organisations came, saw the need, get into it and with passage of time fizzled out. We must endeavour to learn from their successes and why they failed to maximally achieve the desired goal. The much or little that is done has turned on the volume of the voice which were often ignored; we must join hands with them and continue to amplify the voices.
Igede as a language can only meet this agenda through a collective effort and through harnessing of the mental resources of everyone; individuals, private sector, faith organisation and government at all levels. Let us join hands to help our dear language mitigate the challenges of developing their real and accurate literacy materials and training manuals, that will be enduring and relevant for learners. Thanks to all that wish to contribute and be part of this movement.
These Igede wise sayings are relevant here: Ụbwọ ookpokpo-ó á họ ẹkịla da egbeju ka AND Ụgbọọnụ oluhye bala oleji-i memeeme, ụkpọọnyịrẹ a kaa ru-ala lẹ.
Comments