Our Mother Tongue Matters: Celebrating the Importance of Maya Languages in Education

Every February 21st, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, a date established by UNESCO to  raise awareness of the importance of languages in social, cultural, and educational development. Here at Sueños, as the first Maya K'iche'-Spanish bilingual school in Antigua Guatemala, we celebrate this day with a deep commitment to promoting Mayan languages and strengthening our students' cultural identity. 

With over 1.3 million speakers, K'iche' is one of the largest groups in Guatemala. Their language connects them to their history and traditions. Many of our students come to Antigua from rural K'iche' communities, hoping for better opportunities, which results in their families often finding work in the informal sector. In the process, they often face discrimination and lose the chance to learn in their native language, which can affect their sense of identity, self-worth, and their academic success.

It's important for us to provide a space where education in the mother tongue is not just about learning a language—it's about honoring who you are and where you come from. According to UNESCO, children who learn in their native language are more engaged, feel more confident, and perform better academically.

Our bilingual approach, where students learn both in K'iche' and Spanish, isn’t just about language—it’s about building bridges. It's about giving children the tools to succeed while also honoring their roots. To make this happen, we’ve made sure to hire K'iche' speaking staff who understand the culture, and who can help our students feel supported and understood in every class.

International Mother Language Day reminds us of the importance of protecting Maya languages. By promoting inclusive education, we’re helping these kids not only find their voice but also confidently share it with the world.
​Learn more about International Mother Language Day at UNESCO: UNESCO - International Mother Language Day