On International Mother Language Day, over 300 indigenous students in Khagrachhari rediscovered the power of their mother tongue through poetry, art, and storytelling. Held at Chengi Ideal School, the Indigenous Alphabet Festival 2025 offered a vibrant space for cultural celebration and inclusion—reminding us that every script saved is a heritage preserved.
The day-long festival was organized by Dream Shelter Foundation with support from IID and its youth initiative, Youth for Policy. Set against the backdrop of rising concerns over endangered indigenous languages in Bangladesh, the event became a rallying call to preserve linguistic diversity and ensure every child learns in a language they call their own.
Reclaiming Language, Rebuilding Confidence
More than 70 indigenous students participated directly in activities ranging from wall magazine competitions to interactive alphabet games and storytelling in Chakma script. Another 250 students joined informally, learning alongside their peers. Many encountered their written language in full for the first time. For 13-year-old Suvhuti, the moment was transformational:
“I never thought writing a poem in my own script could feel so exciting… This festival made me feel proud of who I am.”
While these scripts have been passed down through generations orally, formal learning remains limited due to lack of materials, trained teachers, and institutional support. The festival tackled this head-on—distributing Chakma alphabet charts and books, and introducing joyful, hands-on learning.
Teachers also found new motivation. “Watching my students write, paint, and celebrate their own script gave me deep joy,” said Supon Chakma, a teacher at Chengi Ideal School. “We must take this forward — I dream of an inter-school indigenous alphabet festival next.”
Why This Matters
Bangladesh is home to more than 45 indigenous communities, each with their own language. Yet many of these languages are vanishing as younger generations grow up without learning to read or write in their mother tongue. Globalization, migration, and cultural assimilation are accelerating the loss. But the deeper damage is psychological—young people growing up without the tools to fully express themselves in the language of their ancestors.
By reconnecting youth with their scripts, the festival promoted more than just literacy. It fostered identity, confidence, and community belonging—core tenets of inclusive education and social justice. The initiative aligns with IID’s broader mission to promote equitable, localized learning solutions that empower marginalized groups.
A Wider Movement for Belonging
This celebration was part of a growing youth-led movement across Bangladesh to challenge exclusion in education. Similar efforts under Youth for Policy, such as the PolicyCampX, and community-driven campaigns on inclusive education, all point to one truth: young people are ready to lead the change, when given the space.
As festival organizer Atina Chakma shared,
“When students connect learning with their culture, something powerful happens. They were not just present — they were participating, creating, and feeling proud.”
The Way Forward
The success of the Indigenous Alphabet Festival 2025 is both a reminder and a call to action. If we want truly inclusive education, we must recognize the right of every child to learn in their mother tongue. That means integrating indigenous scripts in early education, supporting teachers, and creating joyful learning materials.
As Bangladesh reimagines its education future, it’s voices like Suvhuti’s and Atina’s that must lead the way.
“Every letter learned is a culture remembered. Every child included is a future transformed.”