In a landmark step towards strengthening foundational learning outcomes, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, has officially launched the National Codification Task Forceโan ambitious initiative designed to harmonize and standardize the seven national languages identified for use as mediums of instruction in the Foundational Learning Programme.
The launch was more than a ceremonial occasion; it was a moment imbued with vision, hope, and cultural pride. For decades, Gambian classrooms have faced the challenge of teaching children in languages they struggled to understand at the very start of their schooling.
With support from the World Bank through the RISE Project, the Ministry is charting a new course; placing childrenโs first acquired language(s) at the centre of their education from Nursery to Grade 3.
The Foundational Learning Programme is designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes by enabling children to learn in the languages they speak at home or those predominantly spoken in their communities.
Experts in Education affirm that this approach not only enhances comprehension but also fosters confidence and nurtures a lifelong love for learning.
However, The Gambiaโs rich linguistic diversity has long posed challenges of consistency. Languages such as Mandinka, Pulaar, Olof, Manjaku, and Jola, among others, have multiple dialectical variations.
The newly established Codification Task Force seeks to address this by developing unified standards for each of the seven national languages.
Comprising renowned Gambian authors, experienced linguists, and representatives from language associations and civil society, the Task Force will work to ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to consistent and effective learning materials.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Drammeh underscored the dual significance of the initiative, advancing educational equity while safeguarding cultural heritage. โBy codifying our national languages, we are not only preserving our cultural identity but also ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn with clarity, confidence, and pride,โ she stated.
The mandate of the Task Force is clear: to develop codified language tools that will serve as the backbone of literacy and numeracy instruction.
These tools will provide clarity for teachers, uniformity in teaching practices, and high-quality resources for learners nationwide.
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