Monica Juma urges early foreign language learning as Mitahato Village emerges as a French hub

United Nations Executive Director Ambassador Monica Juma has underscored the importance of exposing children to foreign languages at an early age, saying it significantly enhances their chances of competing for global opportunities.

Speaking during a cultural day celebration at Mitahato Primary School in Mitahato Village, popularly known as “Mitahato French Village”, Juma noted that language is a critical enabler in today’s interconnected world.

“Currently, the Kenyan curriculum encourages foreign languages such as Mandarin, French and German. We must recognise the value these languages bring, not just for education, but for trade and global competitiveness,” she said.

She explained that professional skills alone are not enough in the global job market.

“If you have a skill, for example in nursing, but you do not speak the language of the country where you are seeking employment, chances are you will not be prioritised. We want to create a situation where our young people are ready, primed and aware, with an expanded perspective to compete globally,” she added.

(RELATED VIDEO: From Rural Village to “French Hub”: How Mitahato Is Preparing Kids for Global Careers)

Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau echoed Juma’s sentiments, noting that Kenya’s education system is increasingly promoting the teaching of foreign languages to equip learners with broader worldviews.

She emphasised that encouraging multilingualism will not only open doors for young people but also strengthen Kenya’s position in the global marketplace.

Promoting foreign language learning, she said, is a strategic move aimed at enhancing both individual opportunity and national competitiveness.

The concept of transforming Mitahato into a French-learning hub was spearheaded by Chris Mburu, a United Nations official who grew up in the village. Mburu said his personal journey inspired him to introduce French to children in his community.

“I studied law, went to university in America and later studied French. But learning French as an adult was very difficult. French opened many doors for me academically and professionally. I decided to introduce it to children in my village so they can learn it while they are still young,” Mburu explained.

He admitted that at first, the idea seemed foreign to many residents, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Many people are coming to our centres to learn French for free. Some are becoming teachers, while others are getting jobs in Kenya and even outside the country,” he said.

Mburu stressed that language is a powerful tool for empowerment.

“It doesn’t matter how smart you are if you do not have the language to express yourself. If children learn foreign languages early, they have a better chance of contributing globally,” he noted.

He also encouraged Kenyans to embrace multilingualism as a means of fostering unity.

“It would be wonderful for Kenyans to speak more than their mother tongue, languages from different regions and even internationally. That strengthens communication and builds the one Kenya we aspire to,” he said.

The initiative has been embraced by local schools, including Mitahato Primary School and Mitahato Secondary School, which have integrated French into their learning programs.

Residents have also welcomed the move. Catherine Wanjiku, a former student who completed her studies in 1979, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“Our children are studying French and getting jobs because of it. We are thankful for bringing French classes here. Even we want to continue learning because we know speaking French is an advantage wherever we go,” she said.

The cultural day celebration highlighted how a small village initiative has grown into a model of opportunity, demonstrating that early exposure to foreign languages can expand horizons and position young people for success in a competitive global environment.