Embracing diversity: Aga Khan Nursery and Primary School, Dar es Salaam celebrates International Mother Language Day
The Aga Khan Nursery and Primary School (AKNPS), Dar es Salaam recently celebrated International Mother Language Day with a vibrant event showcasing the school's commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness.
The event was planned by dedicated teachers and parents setting up stalls representing various Tanzanian states and countries. Students eagerly explored these stalls, immersing themselves in diverse cultures, languages and cuisines. The event highlighted the importance of multiculturalism and multilingualism, emphasising the richness of shared learning experiences.
“I loved celebrating Mother Tongue Day at school because it makes me feel proud of my heritage and language as a Chaga,” said Dwayne Devis Urio, a Kindergarten (KG) 2 student.
Preparations were extensive, with teachers spending weeks on tasks such as printing dummy passports, connecting with parents from diverse backgrounds and decorating the school. Before the festivities began, homeroom time allowed students to customise their passports, adding a personal touch to their cultural exploration.
"What made this year different was the strong sense of collaboration among parents, teachers and students," said Ms Diana Marcus, the KG1 teacher. “We worked closely together to showcase a diverse array of languages through storytelling, songs and interactive games. Parents volunteered to set up stalls in the school, representing countries, languages and places such as Uganda, Chinese, Arusha and Tanga. The students were able to rotate to those stalls and gain more knowledge."
The day ended with joyous traditional dances performed by teachers and students. Parents involved in setting up stalls shared their gratitude for the unique opportunity to participate in teaching and learning activities.
"As parents, we aimed to provide insights into our place of origin by discussing elements such as local cuisine, cultural practices and tourist attractions," said Alice Sariya, a parent of a KG student. “For instance, when discussing Kilimanjaro, I highlighted iconic landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro, introduced traditional foods like migomba (sheath) and kahawa (coffee), and shared information about the area's tourism offerings."
The school’s Operations Coordinator Ms Latika Joshi reinforced the organisation’s dedication to creating and celebrating an inclusive and diverse community.
“The celebration of International Mother Language Day showcased our commitment to diversity through vibrant stalls, personalised passports and traditional dances,” Ms Latika said. “Students immersed themselves in multicultural experiences, fostering unity and understanding. Extensive preparations and parental involvement made it a memorable celebration.”
Photos (top to bottom):
- A group picture of the students in front of the event display.
- A parent teaching the kids their mother tongue.
- A parent at their stall showing the students cultural items.
- Teachers and parents dancing with students.
