Archive for category: UNESCO

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Leading the Way: Bilingual Education in Senegal

Bilingual Education in SenegalSenegal has long relied on French as the sole language of instruction. However, this approach failed to reflect the linguistic reality of its population.

According to the Gates Foundation, students in Senegal have traditionally been taught in French even though less than 1% of the country’s population speaks it at home. Around 80% of Senegalese speak Wolof. This disconnect meant that most children were learning to read and write in a language they did not fully understand.

This challenge is not unique to Senegal. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 40% of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand, with around 250 million learners in low- and middle-income countries struggling with language barriers. The result is often lower literacy rates, reduced engagement and higher dropout rates, barriers that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

A Shift Toward Bilingual Education

In response, Senegal introduced a reform in 2015. The Ministry of Education, in partnership with Associates in Research and Education for Development (ARED), launched a bilingual education model combining Wolof and French.

This initiative addressed inequality in education. Rather than abandoning French, the system integrates it alongside national languages, allowing students to build foundational literacy in a familiar linguistic environment before transitioning to broader communication skills.

UNESCO research indicates that children develop cognitive skills and master content material most easily when taught in a familiar language. These early gains are critical, as foundational literacy strongly influences long-term academic success.

Measurable Improvements in Learning Outcomes

Evidence from program evaluations shows significant improvements in literacy and comprehension. One assessment found a 29 percentage point increase in the number of students meeting oral reading and comprehension benchmarks compared to those taught exclusively in French. The bilingual model is also linked to stronger classroom participation, improved retention and long-term prospects for higher earnings.

The reform has also shifted classroom dynamics. Teachers who were previously constrained by rigid language policies now have the flexibility to communicate in languages their students understand, fostering more interactive and inclusive classrooms.

When students understand the language of instruction, they are more likely to ask questions, collaborate with peers and develop critical thinking skills.

Preserving Culture While Expanding Opportunity

Beyond academic performance, bilingual education in Senegal plays a role in preserving cultural identity. Languages like Wolof are deeply tied to heritage, community and tradition.

The Ministry of National Education is committed to the Harmonized Model of Bilingual Education in Senegal (MOHEBS), an educational reform that recognizes bilingual learning as a means of improving access to learning and strengthening students’ cultural identity.

By incorporating these languages into formal education, Senegal is promoting inclusivity while maintaining cultural continuity. Proficiency in French also provides access to opportunities in higher education, employment and international communication.

Looking Ahead

Senegal’s bilingual education model offers a broader lesson for global education systems: effective learning begins with understanding. By aligning language policy with students’ lived experiences, Senegal is reducing inequality and expanding opportunity. Its progress demonstrates that meaningful reform requires investment in teacher training, curriculum development and community engagement, and that bilingual learning can serve as a pathway to more equitable education outcomes.

– Lucy Kerr

Lucy is based in Coventry, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Troglodyte Homes in Libya and Tunisia

Troglodyte Homes in Libya and TunisiaHistoric troglodyte homes, located in North Africa, Libya and Tunisia are important to the cultural identity and heritage of the Amazigh community. The city of Matmata, Tunisia, once a thriving hub for tourists, now faces an uncertain future due to political instability and economic challenges. Similarly, Libya is also known for its underground homes and Roman ruins. However, questions are being raised about the viability of tourism as a source of community income amid ongoing economic and political turmoil. These challenges underscore the precarious situation of preserving and leveraging cultural sites for economic benefit in both countries.

Troglodyte Homes

Troglodyte homes, extraordinary underground residences sculpted from rock exemplify a blend of cultural heritage and environmental adaptation. The term “troglodyte,” from the Greek for “cave dweller,” scarcely captures the sophistication of these structures. Historically, the Amazigh people of North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Libya, have constructed these homes to endure the harsh desert conditions. Ideally suited for the region’s dry, fluctuating climate, these homes stay cool during the intense summers and warm in the winters.

Like those in Libya, the troglodyte houses in Tunisia’s Matmata region feature large central courtyards that serve as communal grounds, enhancing airflow and providing shared space for families. Similarly, notable troglodyte sites exist in Libya, particularly in the city of Gharyan. These traditional homes remain a vital part of the Amazigh people’s heritage despite the rapid pace of globalization. However, as more people relocate to urban areas, the troglodyte dwellings in Tunisia and Libya face risks of abandonment and degradation.

Tourism: A Lifeline for the Region and its Inhabitants

For decades, the troglodyte homes in Libya and Tunisia have historically attracted tourists eager to experience the heritage and ingenuity of ancient Amazigh communities. Tourism provided crucial support for local communities, including artisans, guilds and homeowners. 

In Matmata, tourism has been a foundation of the local economy, with many families transforming their homes into guest accommodations and museums. Conversely, tourism in Libya has traditionally been limited. Nevertheless, it has allowed communities in the Nafusa Mountains to share their heritage with the world and fellow Libyans. Some structures in the area, more than 2000 years old, have been largely abandoned due to instability. Despite Libya’s wealth of historical sites, including Roman ruins and coastal landmarks, tourism struggles to flourish amid the ongoing political and economic turmoil.

The Challenges and Decline in Tourism

In recent years, factors have contributed to the decline of tourism in these regions:

  • Political Instability and Security. Since the fall of Muammar Al-Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced major economic setbacks and ongoing conflict, leading to instability, militia warfare and the absence of a centralized government. This prolonged conflict has left many of Libya’s significant cultural sites neglected and deterred both local and international tourism. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, despite improved national security, terrorist attacks targeting tourists in 2015 sharply reduced the number of international visitors. This decline in tourism, particularly affecting Tunisia’s underground homes, has significantly impacted the local communities that once relied on tourism as a vital source of income.
  • Global Economic Factors. Global economics, particularly the uncertainties and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacted tourism in the region by disrupting international and national travel. Remote areas like Matmata, which relied heavily on tourism for economic survival, felt this impact acutely. Consequently, local communities in Matmata are experiencing severe financial hardship. Many residents who once depended on income from tourism, selling handicrafts and offering tours, now struggle to sustain their livelihoods.

Efforts by International Organizations

International organizations such as UNESCO and various NGOs are focusing efforts on raising awareness and providing funds for cultural heritage preservation. While UNESCO has not designated the Troglodyte homes in Libya as World Heritage sites, it does protect other Libyan sites like Leptis Magna and the old town of Ghadames. In Tunisia, local communities have tried to preserve troglodyte homes by converting them into guest houses, although these ongoing efforts often fall short without sufficient funding. Meanwhile, the Tunisian government is actively promoting tourism in areas like Matmata through government-led campaigns.

Looking Ahead

The troglodyte homes in Libya and Tunisia, architectural treasures, face the risk of neglect and oblivion. With tourism affected by political, economic and global challenges, the urgency for sustained international and local preservation efforts grows.

– Gufran Elhrari

Gufran is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr