Project description

The proposed MANY COLOURS- project is a partnership between educational institutions from Verona (Italy), Leeds/Halifax (England) and Karmøy (Norway). The existing provision of these organisations ranges from primary and secondary schooling, special educational needs and adult education. Each of the partners involved has a track record of educational work with migrant children and adults, including expertise in employment training. They share a commitment towards education that is inclusive, which helps new settlers to learn host country languages and exchange cultural experiences, and which promotes mutual respect and understanding between peoples from different cultures and races.

The three partners have already evolved strategies to meet the particular contexts and needs of migrants in their respective countries, but have a great deal to learn from each other's exeperiences.

The project will facilitate an exchange of ideas and educational practices as well as the development of new approaches towards the education of bilingual migrants. It is envisaged that the lessons learned from the proposed project can be disseminated and used by other European countries with large migrant populations. Collaboration in the project will result in:

• a survey of existing educational initiatives in this area in the three partner countries
• action research in schools and other educational institutions to test out new ideas and methodologies
• production and exchange of new materials and educational resources
• participation at an already planned European conference in Leeds in December 1997 and take initiative to make this an annual European conference
• local seminars and training events for teachers
• a module on intercultural education and bilingualism for inclusion in teacher training courses (initial and in-service training)
• production of annual and final reports with recommendations for policy makers at local, national and European levels.

Thematic orientation:

• The development of strategies to improve the quality of education available to children and adult migrants by promoting the teaching of host country languages, and hence enhancing their active participation in the wider cultural, economic and social lives in their host countries.
• The project also aims to promote greater linguistic diversity and intercultural dimensions in schooling in order to combat racism and xenophobia.
• The project will focus on the transfer of experience, ideas and materials, with particular emphasis on:

• teaching and learning styles and methodologies.
• curriculum materials.

This will be done through:

• collaborative action research projects.
• local and European seminars.
• newsletter on the Internet.
• meetings of participating partners.

The key objectives of the proposed project are:

• enhancement of host language skills for migrant children and adults.
• enhancement of vocational skills and opportunities.
• sharing and transfer of experience across different countries.
• promotion of links with other policy makers in the areas of employment, health and other public services to promote equal opportunities for all.
• promote intercultural understanding, co-operation and mutual respect.
• promote the use of new technologies for intercultural communication and interaction between education providers and learners.
• through increased understanding and awareness, provide attitudes against racism and xenophobia.