Celebrating Language and Identity

This week, our Primary Library was transformed into a vibrant hub of global storytelling.

In a special event, students, staff, parents, and Mother Tongue teachers gathered to share narratives, poems, and folktales in their native languages. 

The gathering was held in honor of International Mother Language Day. Established by UNESCO and observed annually on 21 February, this global initiative promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity. It serves as a reminder that languages are not just tools for communication, but essential vessels for history, heritage, and personal identity.

At VIS, we believe that maintaining a connection to one’s home language is vital for a student’s cognitive development and emotional well-being. This celebration provided a perfect platform to showcase that commitment in a tangible, joyful way.

Throughout the event, participants moved between storytelling stations, hearing familiar tales in new tongues and discovering the unique metaphors and expressions found in different cultures. From traditional myths to modern personal anecdotes, the stories shared were as varied as the speakers themselves.

This exchange highlighted the richness of the many languages spoken within our walls. It was a powerful reminder that every language represented at our school is a valued and meaningful part of our collective identity.