This seminar is the second in a series of three technical seminars on the European indicators on migrant education (one related to employment, one to education, one to social inclusion and active citizenship). The outcomes of this seminar will be a key building block in the development of these indicators. A discussion paper has been prepared for the use of all participants by the Migration Policy Group.
The report of the workshop in which EUNEC participated was presented in a plenary session by Maria Golubeva (PROVIDUS, Latvia)
Objective of the workshop
The workshop engaged participants in the medium to long-term policy implications of the common European integration indicators. Policymakers and stakeholders discussed ways that indicators are and can be used to inform and improve general education policies, in order to distil key policy messages for future policy improvements. What can be improved as a result of indicators? Can other groups benefit as well? It is important to be able to demonstrate that.
Messages from discussants.
The discussant from Finland (Kaisu-Maria Piiroinen) presented the Finland strategy for Education and Training which has a very distinct equity oriented targets. This commitment can be traced on different levels of the education systems. The key word from this presentation is commitment.
The discussant from Spain (Miquel Angel Essomba) focused on current understanding of educational reform processes in general in terms of complexity, progressivity, and connectedness with leadership. The key word is patience.
The discussant representing EUNEC (Carine De Smet) focused on the importance of stakeholder involvement. Migrant organizations have to be aware of the indicators and of their weaknesses. The key words are participation, and awareness.
Conclusions
The most important message of this workshop can be summarized in two words: participation and critical approach. Stakeholders should have their say on how policies will be adapted based on the interpretation of indicators.
There is a need to empower and build the capacity of migrant stakeholders representing a legitimate part of the education community.
The final recommendation coming from this workshop is the need for indicators on participation of migrants, not only in education, but also in the policy processes concerning education: to which extent have migrant stakeholders been consulted in developing the policies?
More information at the website of the Migration Policy Group http://www.migpolgroup.org/projects_detail.php?id=62