Mother Tongues is a project, funded by the Gulbenkian Foundation, and pioneered by Arvon, which encourages young people to write in both English and their mother tongue. From 2009, it has benefited 48 young people from Lambeth and will continue in 2012.

In December 2009, 16 young people from Brazil, Portugal and Mozambique took part in a week-long residential led by two professional writers who communicate in both Portuguese and English at Lumb Bank, Arvon’s centre in Yorkshire. Following the success of the first residential, a second Portuguese group took part in 2010 and then a group of Yoruba speakers of Nigerian heritage in March 2011.

"This has been a ground-breaking project in terms of recognition of Yoruba culture and language and has benefited everyone concerned." 
Lambeth LEA

"It has helped me be more confident of being dual heritage."
Student

"Now I write a lot at school and read lots of books."
Student.

In 2012 we plan to work with even more young people speaking in many different languages. If you are interested in finding out more about this project please contact Emma Pask on 020 7234 2554 or email emma.pask@arvonfoundation.org.