Multilingual Education in Nepal Is Transforming the Way Children Learn
In Nepal, multilingual education practices are transforming children’s school experiences by making learning more accessible and inclusive. According to UNICEF Nepal, children who speak languages other than Nepali at home have begun to participate more actively in lessons as their mother tongues are recognized in the classroom.
In Chandrapur, Rautahat, located in the Terai region of the country, teacher Renuka Dahal teaches second-grade students everyday objects first in Nepali and then in the languages children use at home, such as Tharu and Maithili. This approach not only helps children understand concepts better but also contributes to their sense that their identities are valued within the school environment.
For many years, many children in Nepal had to receive education in Nepali, a language they did not speak at home. This situation made it difficult for students, especially those from ethnic minorities, rural areas, and low-income families, to participate in lessons and express themselves. Under the new program, teachers are learning to begin education in children’s mother tongues and gradually introduce Nepali as a second language. Parents also report that their children are now more confident, less hesitant to ask questions, and more excited to share what they have learned at school when they return home.