Closing words: Say what?
From the beginning of 2014 we have continued with the campaign “Education, we have a problem!” and this month we tackled the question “Say what?”.
Unfortunately the education systems in Europe and worldwide are not yet ready to accept immigrants, religious or language minorities. What is even more unfortunate is that it is not only school students who are facing these issues, but the exclusion is happening on a larger scale and people are affected on both personal and professional levels. Being an immigrant or representing a minority might not only make it more difficult for an individual to get quality education or to find a job, but in extreme cases also lead to discrimination and bullying towards them.
The situation might be complicated, but in OBESSU we believe everything can be solved and a “one step at a time”-approach is what we need.
What can be done at the European level?
This challenge can be met only through suitable, coordinated policies at both national and European level. Equal access to education and equal possibilities to participation has to be ensured. We also believe that democratic schools fostering mutual understanding, respect and solidarity is one of the most prominent ways of combating intolerance. The high amount of early school leavers among migrant children has to be combated and lifelong learning needs to be promoted and ensured especially among groups with a high risk of social exclusion.
Therefore OBESSU demands:
- intercultural education throughout Europe;
- all immigrant students in Europe to have the same rights and access to education as native students;
- the right to organise to be ensured for all immigrant students and minorities;
- teachers with a migrant background to be encouraged and supported to act as role models;
- clear anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies to be implemented in every school community;
- space for the whole school community to discuss about desired and non-acceptable behaviour;
- appropriately trained staff offering support to students to be integrated in every school community.
