The organisers of the “Raise Children Speaking Their Mother’s Tongue” competition have unveiled cash prizes worth N2.9 million for outstanding students and teachers, as part of efforts to promote indigenous languages and cultural heritage among Nigerian children.
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The competition, organised by Shelta Impact Programme (SIP) in partnership with the Printrite Foundation for Sustainable Environment and Education (PFSEE), was launched in Abuja and is open to children between the ages of six and 12.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of SIP, Austin Igwe, represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Stanley Odum, said the initiative was designed to encourage children to embrace and communicate confidently in their native languages while rewarding teachers who guide them.
According to him, the overall winner of the competition will receive N1 million, while the teacher who coaches the child will receive N500,000.
The second-place winner will receive N500,000, with the teacher earning N250,000, while the third-place winner will go home with N300,000 and the coach will receive N150,000.
Odum explained that participants are required to download the Shelta app and submit a video of themselves speaking in their mother tongue to qualify for the competition.
“We want to encourage children to preserve their cultural identity by speaking their indigenous languages. At the same time, we are rewarding teachers who play a vital role in nurturing and guiding these children,” he said.
He added that the competition also includes a “Waste to Wealth” challenge aimed at encouraging creativity and innovation among young Nigerians.
According to him, the initiative seeks to identify children who can transform waste materials into valuable products while promoting environmental sustainability.
Speaking during the event, the Programme Coordinator of PFSEE, Esther Afar, said the project was built on the belief that every Nigerian child possesses unique talents and potential, regardless of background or circumstances.
She noted that the initiative aims to raise a new generation of children who take pride in their cultural heritage and use creativity to solve societal challenges.
“Our indigenous languages are the heartbeat of our identity and heritage. Through this challenge, children will demonstrate that excellence shines brightest when it is rooted in culture,” she said.
Afar added that the programme would also nurture environmentally conscious children capable of turning waste into valuable resources.
She described the competition as the beginning of a broader movement to empower Nigerian children through culture, creativity, and innovation.
Also speaking, a teacher at Government Science Secondary School, Tunga Maje, Abuja, Umar Abu, emphasised the importance of teaching children in their mother tongue.
According to him, students understand lessons better and perform more effectively when taught in a language they are familiar with.
“When children learn in their mother tongue, comprehension becomes easier. They are able to grasp concepts faster and express themselves more confidently,” he said.
Abu noted that countries such as China and Russia have achieved significant technological and educational advancements while maintaining strong use of their native languages.
One of the participants, Faith Zirra of Redeemers Private Secondary School, Living Spring, Karu, Abuja, expressed excitement after emerging as a winner in the competition.
She said the achievement proved that she could confidently speak Hausa despite doubts from some of her classmates.
“I feel happy and proud because some people believed I could not speak Hausa well. Today, I have proven that I can,” she said.
Faith also supported the idea of teaching children in their mother tongue, noting that it would improve learning and understanding in schools.
Organisers expressed optimism that the competition would inspire more Nigerian children to embrace their indigenous languages while promoting cultural preservation and educational development across the country.
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