The year 2023 has been one of significant growth and progress for the Rutu Foundation, as we continue to push for inclusive, multilingual education across the globe. Our mission to make linguistic and cultural diversity the norm in education has inspired educators, parents, and communities in over 21 countries.
Key Highlights from 2023
In 2023, the Rutu Foundation made strides in two major initiatives: the Language Friendly School (LFS) network and the Indigenous-Led Education (ILED) program. Here are some key milestones:
- 575+ teachers reached: We inspired over 575 teachers through live events across five countries, sharing the importance of inclusive, multilingual education.
- Language Friendly Schools in 10+ Countries: The LFS initiative now spans more than 10 countries, creating a network of schools that welcome and celebrate all languages spoken by their students.
- Indigenous Education: Our Indigenous-Led Education (ILED) program expanded to support eight Indigenous-led education initiatives in countries including Kenya, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Panama, and Costa Rica.
Language Friendly Schools: A Growing Movement
In 2023, we nearly doubled the number of certified Language Friendly Schools, including the first Indigenous LFS in Suriname, St. Antoniusschool in Galibi. This school, located in the world’s only community where the Indigenous language Kari’na is actively spoken, embraces Kari’na in its curriculum to foster a nurturing environment for language retention and cultural empowerment.
Indigenous-Led Education: Amplifying Voices
The ILED program achieved remarkable growth this year, providing grants to grassroots organizations, launching the ILED Youth Fellowship, and prioritizing gender justice in Indigenous education.
We are especially proud of our inclusion as one of 23 winners of the Global Environment Facility Inclusive Challenge, recognizing our efforts in supporting Indigenous communities’ climate and education initiatives.
What’s Inside the Report
The 2023 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of our programs and activities, financial details, and personal stories from the field. Also included are insights into our workshops, events, and publications from 2023.
Download the Report
We invite you to explore our 2023 Annual Report to learn more about how we are advancing multilingual education and supporting Indigenous communities worldwide. Download the full report or read it here.