Why Sanvedana Supports Mother Tongue Education for All

In many parts of India, the classroom can feel like a foreign land—especially for children from tribal and rural backgrounds. When the language used by teachers isn’t the same as the one spoken at home, learning becomes a struggle. At Sanvedana NGO, we believe that language should be a bridge, not a barrier—for every child, whether a boy or a girl.

The Reality of Language Gaps in Education

Did you know that India has over 19,500 languages and dialects, yet most schools teach in just a handful—like Hindi, English, or the dominant regional language?

For children from tribal communities who speak Ho, Santhali, Kui, or other local languages, school lessons often feel alien. They may be bright, curious, and eager to learn—but if they can't understand the language of instruction, they quickly fall behind.

This affects both boys and girls, but the impact is often harsher for girls, who already face societal pressures that limit their access to education.

At Sanvedana, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful language-inclusive education can be. It helps children:

• Learn faster

• Stay in school longer

• Participate more actively

• Develop a strong sense of identity and confidence

Mother Tongue: A Key to Unlocking Potential

Global studies and Indian case studies show that mother tongue learning in early grades leads to better academic performance. In Odisha, tribal children learning in their native language outperformed their peers in test scores and attentiveness. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, children studying in Telugu had stronger reading and math skills than those in English-medium schools.

For Sanvedana’s mission, these aren’t just numbers—they're stories of transformation. Children who once stayed silent in class are now speaking up. Girls who used to drop out by Grade 5 are staying and dreaming bigger.

Girls, Language, and Equity

When a girl understands what she’s being taught, she begins to believe in herself. When she speaks the language of the classroom, she starts to lead.

At Sanvedana, we actively promote girl-child education through awareness drives, community programs, and support schemes. Language-sensitive teaching is a big part of this effort. We know that when a girl learns in her mother tongue, she gains more than knowledge—she gains confidence.

Moving Forward with NEP 2020

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports teaching in the mother tongue till Grade 5. But real implementation requires:

• Quality textbooks in tribal languages

• Teachers trained in multilingual education

• Supportive digital tools for remote learning

Sanvedana is committed to working alongside schools, educators, and local governments to make this vision a reality—especially in tribal areas where the need is urgent.

Let’s Build Classrooms That Listen

A child who understands the language of learning doesn’t just pass exams—they begin to dream, to question, and to grow.

Whether it's a young boy in a forest village or a girl from a tribal hamlet, every child deserves to learn in a language they understand. At Sanvedana, we are dedicated to building a future where no child is left behind because of language.

Join Us in This Mission

Your support can help us reach more children in tribal regions, develop more resources, and empower more girls to stay in school. Whether you're a teacher, parent, donor, or policymaker—you can be part of this change.