Guidelines

Mutual ignorance and lack of understanding are the causes of many misunderstandings and blunders. These may hinder successful integration of immigrant children at school and may be an obstacle to effective communication and to the learning progress.

1. Recognise that all children can be educated and believe in it.
2. Realise that immigrant children’s values are different from those of the school. It does not mean that the school has to consent to everything and adapt constantly, but it helps explain and provide codes and keys to understand how the school works for those students and families who do not know them spontaneously.
3. Apply the three steps of the intercultural approach: (1) Detach yourself by asking ‘who am I, from a cultural point of view?’ This is important to get rid of one’s prejudices and stereotypes. Ask also: ‘What are my sensitive areas?’ (2) Try to know and understand the other culture by asking ‘Who are you?’ This implies to address the other with curiosity and interest, to recognise differences, and acknowledge what makes sense for the other in their culture; (3) Negotiate: respect for different cultures, without giving up one’s own.
4. Adopt a pluralistic, multicultural commitment to integration. Diversity is a resource and an asset.
5. Develop trust among all parties involved (parents, pupils and teachers).