Communities across the Otjozondjupa Region joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Mother Language Day.
The day honours languages spoken at home and the rich cultures they carry.

The regional celebration brought together schools, traditional leaders, and cultural groups to showcase indigenous languages such as Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, and Damara/Nama, amongst others, while encouraging young people to learn and use their mother tongue. 

Otjozondjupa Regional Council's Director for Finance and Administration is Alweendo Shikongo.

"When we preserve and promote our mother language, we preserve the soul of our people. Mother tongue instructions strengthen our understanding, improve academic performance and build confidence among learners; it creates a strong foundation upon which additional language and skill can be developed."

Performances, storytelling sessions, and language teachings highlighted the region's commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage.

Chief of the Hai//om Traditional Authority, Annanias Soroseb, stresses, "Khoekhoegowab and the Hai//om are important languages that also need to be preserved. We should make sure not to lose our roots." 

"When you meet a person, you know what language they speak but know that we are all united," adds cultural promoter Dave Rukero.

A swift 30-second interactive cultural game designed to promote awareness of cultural and natural heritage was also launched at the International Mother Language Day celebration. 
The day, observed every year on 21 February, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999.