Editorial: Let's promote our mother tongue

Whether the mother tongue should or should not be the medium of instruction has continued to be a very contentious subject in Africa. Proponents for the colonial languages contend that African languages are not used internationally and can limit someone’s chances be it in terms of business or employment. However, the developed countries use their local languages from kindergarten to university. Probably they are more developed than Africa because their students grasp concepts better in their mother tongue than us who learn them in our second or third language. Research has shown that many skills acquired in the first language can be transferred to the second language. So, for example, if your child has developed good reading skills in Kinyarwanda, they are likely to be able to apply these skills when reading English. With subjects like physical education or sports coming on board, this will play a crucial role in the future of students. Physical education contributes directly to the development of physical competence and fitness. It also helps students to make informed decisions and understand the value of leading a physically active lifestyle. A healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. Some students who have enormous talent in these games can utilise them as sources of income in the future.