In a bold step towards inclusion, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development have approved the first-ever Bajuni language textbooks produced by Twaweza Communications.
With over 15,000 speakers in the northern area of Kenya’s Swahili Coast - climate change, violent conflict, migration, and marginalisation, have critically endangered the Bajuni language. Through funding from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, Twaweza Communications have worked on ‘The Bajuni Cultural Heritage Project’ to safeguard the language, poetry, oral traditions, and practices of the Bajuni community in Lamu County.
Since receiving funding in 2022, Twaweza Communications have worked with teachers and the government to embed education about indigenous languages in schools. By publishing the first ever language learning materials for Grades 1-3 and teachers’ guides, since this year, the Bajuni language has been taught in schools for the first time in their history.
‘The project has invigorated the community, shifting the perception of their cultural identity,’ says Omar Mohamed Saidi Ali, a programme participant.
Beyond the classroom, advocacy efforts to empower the local community to promote their heritage included raising awareness through a talk show on Radio Lamu, reaching approximately 50,000 listeners. Meanwhile, book launches, a YouTube channel, and a dedicated website later, over 140 pieces of recorded oral heritage, proverbs, poetry, and traditional practices have reached a global audience.
‘The Bajuni Cultural Heritage Project’ has also provided opportunities, training over 45 community members in digital documentation, and supported a vibrant revival of Bajuni poetry. Poets like Zuwena Ahmed Mohamed discovered a new voice, now performing poetry in public and mentoring others.
Collaborations with UNESCO, the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development, and the National Museums of Kenya cemented the project’s policy impact and sparked a dream: to build a Bajuni Resource Centre, now actively being pursued by the community.
Hear the voices in the Bajuni Cultural Archive and continue the conversation.
