Education experts and researchers have emphasised that imparting early education in a child’s mother tongue significantly enhances their learning abilities, critical thinking, and overall personality development. They stated that parental involvement and government support are crucial to make this effective approach successful. This was discussed during a policy dialogue organized by the Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) in collaboration with UK International Development in Karachi, where Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah attended as the chief guest. The dialogue was titled “Teachers, Parents, and Community Perspectives: Weak Links in Language Policy within a Multilingual Education System.”
The event brought together prominent figures including social activist Shehzad Roy, Sindh Education MD Gahanwer Ali Laghari, former caretaker education minister Rana Hussain, as well as educationists and representatives from various universities and organizations. The discussion focused on educational reforms, language policy, and the vital roles of teachers and parents in the learning process. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah stated that “knowledge has always been transmitted through language. A child’s mother tongue not only strengthens their comprehension and expression but also enhances their confidence and academic performance.” He added that “parents have made English the benchmark of competence, limiting their children’s creative thinking. Reconnecting children with their mother tongue and cultural roots is essential for intellectual growth.”
He further noted that Sindh already has a law promoting mother tongue-based education, which can be improved further through consultation, and said that Sindh’s initiatives in this regard are distinct and more progressive compared to other provinces. Salma Shahzad, CEO of Durbeen, highlighted the importance of the mother tongue in foundational learning, stressing that the use of technology-particularly National Language Processing Technology-can make learning more engaging and effective in the child’s native language. Speakers underscored that research, data-driven analysis, and evidence-based recommendations should guide language and education policy reforms to strengthen foundational learning and fully nurture children’s potential.