PHOTOS: Oyo AANFE marks 2024 International Literacy Day with graduation and awards ceremony

..As Olopoenia emphasizes need to promoting multilingual language for peace

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education (Oyo AANFE), has highlighted the importance of promoting multilingual language as a fundamental right as the world commemorates International Literacy Day.

Speaking on Wednesday at an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day in Ibadan with the theme, “Empowering the Minds Through Multilingual Literacy, Building Bridges of Understanding and Sowing Seeds of Peace”, the AANFE Chairman, Mr Ayo Olopoenia noted that the 2024 theme highlights the importance of multilingual education in today’s diverse world.

He asserts that literacy is the cornerstone of education, assisting students in better understanding all subjects and fostering individual, social, and international harmony.

According to the chairman, learning many languages can improve learning outcomes because many people speak more than one language growing up.

He explained that students who learn in their first language are more likely to comprehend ideas and have closer ties to their cultural identity.

In his words: “Multilingual education also promotes mutual understanding and respect among people from different backgrounds. It is simpler to communicate, exchange ideas, and collaborate amicably when people appreciates each other’s languages. The learning approach is not only good for learning but also for building a more harmonious world.

“To celebrate International Literacy Day 2024, students can start by embracing their own languages while being open to learning new ones. They can participate in language exchange programs where they teach their language to a friend while learning theirs.

“Students might begin by accepting their native tongues and remaining receptive to learning new ones in honour of International Literacy Day in 2024. Through language exchange programs, they can learn a friend’s language while teaching them theirs.

“To make learning languages enjoyable and interesting, schools should implement the theme by planning events like cultural days or clubs or by being encouraged to watch educational programs.

“Additionally, the pupils must to be encouraged to tell their classmates about their cultures and languages. This promotes respect and understanding between people in addition to improving the learning environment.

Olopoenia however urged all stakeholders to make a difference in their own schedules, homes, families, and local communities by supporting the government’s efforts to empower minds through multilingual literacy, building bridges of understanding and sowing seeds of peace.

The event included a graduation ceremony for adult learners and was graced by a number of groups, participants, notable individuals, government officials, and education stakeholders.

Among those present were the Oyo State Commissioner For Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu Adelabu; Chairman, Board of Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED), Elder Ayoade Adekola; Representatives of HoS, Directors of AANFE; Deputy Directors of AANFE; Local Adult Education Officers (LAEO); Oyo State AANFE Facilitators; Adult learners and a host of others.