By Isaac Eranga
Edo Indigenous Movement Worldwide known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA) has called on Edo State Government to make the teaching of Edo language compulsory in all the schools sited in the State, saying it is a mark of cultural identity.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Chairman, Edo Indigenous Publicity and Research Committee, Mr. Osazee Nelson Godwin. According to the statement, schools in Edo State offer education and values, which are usually far from Edo original culture.
“Many children cannot even speak and understand their parents’ language. The schools in Edo offer us education and values which are usually far from our original culture.
“Making it difficult to access materials, teachers and the learning of our native language. That is why the teaching of indigenous languages is fundamental throughout school education.
“Language is the main form of interaction with our environment. Words preserve stories, traditions, culture and identity. The indigenous languages represent the legacy of our grandparents.
“Our obligation is to take care because when an indigenous language disappears, the indigenous traditional knowledge (stories, legends, songs, values, myths, prayers) also disappears.
“The teaching of an indigenous language enriches the spirit because it shows the diversity between cultures and their importance, promoting respect among them. Moreover, education must be a source of revitalization of the cultural identity of indigenous youth. Finally, learning our native language is our right.
“Moreover, indigenous languages consist of accessing a world of culture and a different conception of the world. The treasure of indigenous languages is a heritage that should not be lost.
“Currently, indigenous cultural identity and languages are threatened by the constant growth and assimilation of globalization. However, the relevance that is placed on the time load of a foreign language is greater than the hours dedicated to the learning of a native language.
“The preservation and revitalization of native languages strengthens indigenous peoples; therefore, these languages should be given equal importance, reflected in the same workload.
“Looking at it from a human rights perspective, the international society has reached a global consensus on the Human Rights of indigenous peoples. This consensus is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states in article 14 that ‘indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning
“Today, the international community has established the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The fourth objective is ‘to ensure an inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. For indigenous youth, the fourth objective means ensuring an education that guarantees the learning of their own language and culture”, said EPIA.
EPIA was established in 2014 to empower Edo Indigenes all over the world and fight against maginaliztion of indigenes in their settlements across the board; to empower Edo indigenous people; to promote Edo indigenous language and culture all over the world; to protect the right of women, children, and the physically challenged.
