Teaching in english at ECD Level is illegal

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting all of Zimbabwe's 16 official languages, stressing that young children must be taught in their mother tongue in line with national policy.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo made the remarks in the Senate while responding to a proposal by Mike Bimha suggesting that English, Shona and Ndebele be made compulsory subjects in schools.

Dr Moyo said such a move would contradict the country's language policy, which recognises and promotes linguistic diversity.

"We have a policy that clearly states that out of the 16 officially recognised languages, we value all of them. They are all important," he said.

He highlighted that communities across the country speak a wide range of languages, including Ndau in Chipinge, and Venda and Kalanga in Beitbridge, noting that prioritising only a few languages would marginalise others.

The Minister said under the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP), children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and lower primary levels must be taught in their mother tongue.

"This means that a child in ECD A, ECD B, Grade 1 and Grade 2 should not be taught in English, but in their mother language. Teaching them otherwise would be depriving them of their rights as provided by law," he said.

Dr Moyo added that while learners are later introduced to additional languages, the foundation must be built in the language they best understand.

"It is our wish that all languages be valued and taught in our schools. All people are equal, and all languages are equal. Let us respect the child's mother tongue," he said.

Zimbabwe's Constitution recognises 16 official languages, including English, Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, Venda, Kalanga, Nambya, Chewa, Ndau, Shangani, Tswana, Sotho, Xhosa, Chibarwe, Koisan and sign language.