Toolkit aims to help teachers communicate with migrant parents

A TOOLKIT to help teacher’s communicate with migrant parents and get them involved in their children’s school life has been unveiled.

Launching the toolkit, the Immigrant Council of Ireland chief executive, Denise Charlton, yesterday said Ireland could learn from other countries’ experiences in ensuring its schools played an important role in promoting integration.

“As a new country of immigration, Ireland has an opportunity to avoid the pitfalls experienced elsewhere. We have really only seen large numbers of migrants coming here in the past decade, so we have the chance to formulate and promote policies now that ensure successful long-term integration.”

The toolkit, Pathways to Parental Leadership, consists of a written manual and DVD. It includes tips for teachers on speaking to parents with a low proficiency in English; information on interpretation services; advice on accommodating diverse dietary needs; information on dealing with racism and racist bullying; and ideas on promoting the integration of migrant and non-migrant parents.

The launch was attended by Nihad Bunar, professor of child and youth studies at Stockholm University. He outlined how the Swedish education system adapted to meet the needs of its migrant population.

“We have developed various initiatives to combat these challenges, including more training for teachers; integration and urban development projects, ‘mother tongue’ teaching and co-operation with universities.”

The toolkit is available to download, free of charge, from immigrantcouncil.ie.