The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board has received Yoruba Early Grade Reading Materials titled Jẹ́ Ká Kàwé, an initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Jẹ́ Ká Kàwé (Let’s Read) project, was developed based on the Yorùbá language curriculum, to promote literacy through the use of indigenous languages among pupils in primary 1-3 classes.
The learning and reading books are structured on phonemic awareness, alphabetic principles, vocabulary, comprehension and writing.
While commending the initiative on Thursday February 25, 2021, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, stated that the resources will expand the availability of quality local teaching and learning materials for reading Yorùbá Language among pupils in Lagos State public primary schools.
Pupils and Officials from Lagos State Ministry of Education displaying the materials
He noted that the use of the indigenous learning materials in schools will not only increase literacy levels in pupils, but also enlighten them on our vibrant Yoruba culture.
Alawiye-King assured that the resources will be used to complement the existing teaching and learning of Yoruba language in schools.
“The infusion of Local languages into our educational system will help pupils succeed academically,” he said.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, also commended USAID for the initiative and for also promoting the mother tongue that is gradually going into extinction.
She advised parents to encourage their wards to speak their local languages, particularly the Yoruba language, for it will make them unique in any part of the world.
The representative of the Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Nwokorie, noted that the book is premised on the language provision in the National Policy on Education, which encouraged the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction at the lower primary level.
