Breaking Language Barriers, Building Life Skills

Multilingual literacy is more than just a classroom exercise in using multiple languages; it's an approach that enriches minds, builds bridges, and opens doors to new possibilities. Learning in multiple languages doesn’t only boost cognitive skills; it expands cultural understanding, allowing students to connect across different backgrounds and perspectives. It fosters empathy, deepens critical thinking, and encourages diverse ways of problem-solving.

At empowHER India, we've seen how our resources like Majhi Pustika can make a real difference in students' lives. Majhi Pustika isn't just a book; it's a tool that brings learning closer to students by using the language they know best. When students can engage with complex ideas in a familiar language, it bridges the gap between learning and understanding, helping them retain and apply knowledge in ways that feel natural and empowering. This approach has given students not only better comprehension but also the confidence to participate actively. When education feels inclusive, students feel valued, and learning becomes more impactful for them.

Our trainers at Raigad Zilla Parishad School, Chondhi, Alibag have experienced firsthand the power of language as a connector. Many of the children they work with come from tribal areas where they speak their own dialects, far removed from the standardized language of most schools. When our trainer Sushma Patil first began working with these children, they were shy and hesitant, fearing she might dismiss their dialect or struggle to understand them. But Sushma did something that changed everything—she listened, learned their vocabulary, and started using their words. This small but significant effort helped break down barriers, allowing the children to feel understood and safe to engage. Over time, they went from being quiet and reserved to laughing, participating, and learning with enthusiasm. Language became a shared space, a place where students felt they belonged.

Similarly, in the Urdu-medium schools we support, teaching in a familiar language has made all the difference. Though our trainers don't speak Urdu fluently, they use Hindi, a language that many of these students are comfortable with, to communicate life skills. By delivering sessions in a language that resonates with them, we help students connect with the material on a deeper level. This method of teaching not only ensures that they understand but also encourages them to be active participants, making the learning journey both relatable and effective.

At empowHER India, we're empowering kids to thrive by teaching life skills in the languages they're most comfortable with. By using tools like Majhi Pustika and trainers who embrace students' dialects, we make learning relatable and confidence-boosting. These multilingual methods help children connect with life skills on a personal level, setting them up for success both in school and in life.

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