MLE Teachers Campaign

by MLE WG Secretariat

The Asia-Pacific Multilingual Education Working Group, co-chaired by UNESCO and UNICEF, is excited to launch the MLE Teachers campaign. Throughout the campaign, we are spotlighting the experiences of teachers implementing multilingual and language-inclusive practices in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Why does this matter?

 

  • Around half of the world's languages are in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Yet, 37% of students across East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific and 30% of students across South Asia are not taught in a language they understand best.
  • Learning assessments demonstrate improved learning outcomes for children who also speak the language of instruction at home.
  • Teachers play a pivotal role in enhancing learning outcomes and fostering cultural and linguistic diversity.
  • A language-inclusive teaching workforce can use language and multilingual practices to improve learning outcomes and reflect the linguistic diversity of the communities it serves.


This campaign celebrates the work of these teachers and underscores the importance of language inclusion to advance progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education for all, particularly those from linguistically marginalized backgrounds.

One Classroom, Many Languages

With half of the world's languages in the Asia-Pacific region, using the right language is a powerful tool for teachers to support students’ learning.

How are you building strong foundations & fostering home-school links through language?


 

Language Bridges Understanding

About 1 in 3 students in the Asia-Pacific region are taught in a language they don't fully understand. This can create significant barriers to learning. But for many teachers, a simple switch in language can spark powerful breakthroughs.

Have you ever seen a student light up after an explanation in a particular language?

 


 

Learning in New Ways

Some of the most innovative multilingual teaching practices are rooted in community.

How do you co-create vibrant learning experiences in more than one language?

 


 

More Than Words

Teachers play a key role in making students feel truly seen by honoring their languages & cultures. 


How do you celebrate your students’ cultural & linguistic identities?

 


 

The Heart of Teaching

For many teachers, multilingual education is a way to ensure today's students connect more with themselves, improve their learning outcomes & develop relevant skills for future generations.


What about you? What drives you to invest your time & energy in multilingual education?




 


Join the conversation on social media, by sharing your story using #MotherLanguageDay and #Teachers.

 


 

 

 

The Bangkok Priorities for Action on First Language-based Multilingual Education (2023)


Also available in:


Korean, Nepali,Burmese, Khmer, Hindi, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Chinese, Filipino, Bengali, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, Lao, Tetum 

  My alt text

World Summit on Teachers, Santiago de Chile 2025: Santiago Consensus adopted on 29 August 2025


Also available in:


French, Spanis
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