Celebrating Multilingualism at ICS Addis

At ICS Addis, language is connection, identity, and belonging.

Rooted in our core values of diversity and inclusion, we are proud to celebrate and protect the many languages that shape our community.

On Wednesday, teachers from our English as an Additional Language (EAL) team hosted a parent education session where 20 parents explored the role of multilingualism in their families, in their current communities, and throughout their lives.

“It's so important to make sure kids feel like they belong. As we work with students to help them learn English, we have found that asking them to share with each other how say they words in their home languages creates a sense of celebration of their identities and makes them feel proud of where they come from and as unique members of this multicultural community," said Jennifer Brown, Head of ICS Addis's EAL Department

At ICS, students experience language in many ways: through French, Spanish, and Amharic curricular classes; IB online language courses; our multilingual library; and our Home Language Program, which currently features eight languages supported by parent volunteers. These opportunities reflect our belief in dynamic bilingualism, where home languages form the foundation for learning new ones.

Our approach to multilingualism reflects not only the ICS Strategic Plan’s focus on belonging and global citizenship, but also aligns with the International Baccalaureate mission of intercultural understanding and the Council of International Schools standards on valuing students’ linguistic and cultural identities.

This first parent session marks the beginning of a shared journey in shaping how multilingualism is understood and celebrated at ICS Addis. By honoring every student’s language, we affirm their identity and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our community.