Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Cabinet has formally endorsed The Gambia’s Language in Education Policy (LEP) 2025–2030, a new framework aimed at strengthening learning outcomes by prioritizing the use of children’s first languages in early education.
The policy, announced by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), introduces a structured approach to integrating national languages into classroom instruction, with the goal of improving literacy, numeracy, and overall educational participation across the country.
Under the new policy, seven Gambian languages – Jola, Soninke, Mandinka, Manjaku, Pulaar, Wolof, and Sereer – will be formally recognized as mediums of instruction in the early years of schooling.
Education authorities say the measure is intended to ensure that children begin their academic journey in languages they understand best, thereby strengthening comprehension and foundational learning.
According to MoBSE, the policy reflects global research showing that students learn more effectively when taught in familiar languages, particularly during their first years in school. By embedding local languages into the curriculum, the framework also aims to reduce dropout rates and support smoother transitions into later stages of education.
The policy further recognizes Gambian Sign Language, a move designed to guarantee accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners and expand inclusive education efforts nationwide.
Education officials say the framework will also require the development of culturally relevant teaching materials and the training of teachers in multilingual pedagogical methods to ensure effective implementation.
MoBSE described Cabinet’s approval as a milestone in the country’s education reform efforts, noting that the policy supports broader national development goals and aligns with international commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa.
The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Habibatou Drammeh, expressed appreciation to Adama Barrow and Cabinet for endorsing the policy. She also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, education experts, teachers, linguists, policymakers, parents, and community members involved in shaping the framework.
Officials say the policy represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive and culturally responsive education system in The Gambia over the next five years.
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