Global Education Report 2019: Sustainable Development
The global education monitoring report 2019 introduces a commitment to leave no one behind in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. According to this report, refugees, internal migrants and international migrants are considered vulnerable and need to be supported to receive proper education. The information provided in the report are explained below:
Migrants and Refugees
Internal migrant children are left behind in education. However, international migration leads to brain drain. One out of 5 citizens tend to migrate internationally from %27 of the countries. Despite the problems which rise from migration, They are considered to have a strength: education.
Based on this report, migrants tend to be more educated that locals. Malaysian migrants to the US had 2 more years of education in compare to non-migrants. Migrants who moved internally in Indonesia had 3 more years of education. In case of international migrants, %6 of students tend to emigrate in %50 of the countries.
According to the report, %50 of refugees are known to be under 18. School attacks are known to be their reason for migration.
Empowering Refugees and Migrants: The Commitment
The report explains that education for migrants and refugees can empower them to become aware of their potential and provide support to their communities. There is a considerable potential to support education financially if the costs of sending money to home countries by migrants are reduced from %7 to %3. The figure is reported to be one billion dollars.
The education monitoring report provides a guidelines as to how the education commitments – to be signed- should be achieved. Lack of means of identification should not become a barrier for the migrants and displaces to enroll. The report also warns against the interruptions by school leaders. It suggests devising processes to manage violation of rights. Another guideline is to make sure that immigration laws and education laws are compatible and aligned. These will help protect the rights of migrants and refugees.
Education Systems
The second step is to allow the displaced and the migrants into national systems. Preliminary courses and classes should be kept to a minimum. Migrants should not be separated from the general education system. Turkey has been successfully reducing its number of temporary education centers, including its refugees in public schools. By 2020, turkey is going to include all its Syrian refugees in its public education systems. Chad, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Uganda are currently implementing the inclusion.
The commitment urges countries to meet the needs of migrants and refugees, including language programs. Financial education and measures of alleviating cost-related limitations are also considered a necessity. Introducing alternative education programs is the last measure in this step. Education funds for refugees also need to be increased. This needs to be addressed in humanitarian plans.
Teachers need to receive proper training to be able to provide emotional support to migrants. The need to learn how to deal with cultural diversity in their classes. They must be able to address discrimination and distinguish those who need help and support.
Introducing a multicultural education is the next step. Education systems need to make several changes. The environment should be welcoming and respectful towards other cultures and histories. A survey shows that %81 of the participants believe that ethnic diversity should be introduced in school materials. Currently, more than %50 countries with high levels of income have partially included education of cultural diversity. The education commitment encourages systems to take necessary steps to accept qualifications from other countries.
Serving and Being Served by Businesses (a note by author)
If migrants are not seen as a burden, they can add to their new community. Empowering refugees and migrants can reduce tensions. It can also allow for a peaceful coexistence beside non-migrants. They may be under-recognized members of the community, but they can also empower it. They took hard and long steps with a better life in mind, showing their conviction. If recognized and supported, they can become invaluable assets to businesses and the country in which they reside.
Let us not forget, they bring with them beliefs thoughts, and potentials specific to their culture that may be scarce in ours. Businesses can also help bridge the gap between migrant skills and their potential to contribute to their new country. Migrants and refugees are potential customers as well as the workforce to businesses.
The needs of this minority are less recognized. Therefore, they can become potential clients to businesses who are willing to meet those needs. Businesses can help them realize their potentials and acquire essential skills to live and perform in the new environment. To achieve success, they need on-going education, especially in terms of skills related to their field of work. Since less businesses attend to their needs, they are likely to become loyal customers. This can be advantageous for both parties.
Migrants are the solution, not a problem
Migrants and refugees may lack local knowledge and abilities to fit in, but what if they do not have to? While they may have weaknesses considering their different background, the same difference makes them an international individual with a knowledge of a country which can become a potential market. The education can even be considered a training from the business point of view.
migrants can become an asset as an employee. They can provide insights into their country not so easily accessible. Besides, the thought of becoming a valuable member both to their country of residence and their home country can be a huge gain for them. The opportunity, therefore, is not their skills, but their identity. Given the right direction, they may be able to pave the way towards international business.
To download The Global Education Monitoring Report 2019, refer to the link below:
