J.I de la langue maternelle: A plea to integrate the dimensions of local language-based education into PDL-145T

International Mother Language Day is celebrated every February 21. To mark this occasion, a symposium was organized by the non-profit organization "Yes African," led by Mireille Kasongo, to advocate for the integration of local-language-based education into the PDL-145T program. The event featured four speakers addressing an audience composed of representatives from the government, UNESCO, the non-profit organization "Yes African," three implementing agencies of the PDL-145T, NGO delegates, experts in education and vocational training, linguists, and the EPST focal point. Participants in the symposium discussed ways to effectively integrate local languages into the education system and vocational training to promote sustainable local development. Chance Kuzitela of DIPROMAD and the EPST focal point assured in his remarks that every effort is being made to integrate the bilingual program into the Congolese school system. Mireille Kasongo, who commended the Congolese government’s initiative through the EPST, expressed the hope that it would meet her organization’s expectations. It should be noted that the Congolese government has implemented PDL-145T to combat poverty and social and spatial inequalities (between rural and urban areas), revitalize local economies, and transform the living conditions and environment of Congolese populations living in areas previously underserved by basic infrastructure and social services. International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. This proclamation was endorsed by the General Assembly through Resolution 56/262. Celebrating this day helps draw attention to linguistic issues and mobilize partners and resources to support the implementation of strategies and policies promoting linguistic diversity and multilingualism in all regions of the world. Chouquette Bombula