Center Amalipe Marks International Mother Language Day – February 21
On February 21, International Mother Language Day was observed – a day dedicated to linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and the right of every individual to speak, learn, and develop in their native language. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 with the aim of promoting multilingualism and safeguarding cultural heritage worldwide.
A mother tongue is the first language through which a person understands the world, expresses thoughts and emotions, and develops their identity. It carries memories, traditions, and values that are passed down from generation to generation. This year’s activities were held under the motto: “Linguistic Diversity Is Our Wealth.”
As part of the campaign, Center Amalipe, in partnership with the Municipality of Strazhitsa, organized a series of activities within the project “Learning Together: Desegregation and Prevention of Secondary Segregation in the Municipality of Strazhitsa”, involving partner schools across the municipality. International Mother Language Day was marked at Angel Karaliychev Secondary School – Strazhitsa, St. Kliment Ohridski Secondary School – Kamen, and St. St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School – Asenovo.
Meetings with parents were held in the schools, during which educational mediators discussed the importance of the mother tongue and encouraged parents to communicate with their children in their native language at home, without concern that this might hinder their learning. Particular emphasis was placed on the benefits of bilingualism and on the role of the family in building a stable linguistic and cultural identity.
Informational flyers highlighting the importance of the mother tongue and its role in the educational and personal development of children were distributed. Each parent also completed a questionnaire focusing on the use of the mother tongue in the family environment, attitudes toward bilingualism, and understanding of the benefits of preserving linguistic and cultural identity. Students were given tasks and questions related to the topic of the mother tongue, encouraging their active participation.
These initiatives contributed to raising awareness among parents and students about the importance of preserving and respecting the mother tongue as a foundation for better education, stronger social cohesion, and greater mutual understanding among different communities.
The activities were implemented under the project: “Learning together: Desegregation and prevention of secondary segregation in the Municipality of Strazhitsa. Contract No. BG05SFPR001-1.008-0015
