𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐳𝐢 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲

Lundazi District joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s International Mother Language Day, held at Lundazi Boarding Secondary School on February 21.

The event, celebrated under the auspices of UNESCO, brought together students, teachers, and community members to reflect on the importance of preserving and promoting local languages.

Officiating at the event, Lundazi District Council Secretary, Mr. John A.K. Mwanza, delivered a speech on behalf of the Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Paul Thole, emphasizing the global significance of the day and the need to preserve linguistic diversity.

This year’s theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” highlighted the crucial role of young people in preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages. Mr. Mwanza, speaking for the Permanent Secretary, noted that languages are more than tools for communication, describing them as carriers of culture, identity, and knowledge.

But He commended Zambia’s efforts through initiatives such as the Primary Literacy Programme, which uses local languages to teach children in early grades. However, he expressed concern that many Zambian languages remain less visible in urban areas and online spaces, where English often dominates.

Mr. Mwanza, on behalf of Mr. Thole, further emphasized that promoting mother languages is not only about preserving the past but also about empowering the youth to express themselves creatively and take pride in their identity.

He also underscored the role of language in fostering peace, cooperation, and understanding among communities.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Mwanza, speaking on behalf of the Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, called on all stakeholders to take deliberate steps in promoting local languages across various platforms.

He also appealed to parents and caregivers to speak their mother tongues at home and to encourage storytelling in local languages.

The event featured cultural performances, poetry recitals, and exhibitions showcasing the linguistic diversity of the district, reinforcing the message that language is a vital part of identity and heritage