Turkish Migrants and Education

Group of National Experts on the Education of Migrants

13-14 October 2008

Paris

The immigration of the Turkish workers to Western European countries started in the beginning of 1960’s.

Numbers of Turkish People Living in Foreign Countries

Germany 2,300,000 Belgium 130,000 USA 250,000

France 423,471 Finland 7,000 Canada 41,000

Netherlands 364,333 Switzerland 80,000 Australia 150,000

Denmark 54,589 UK 80,000 Russia 30,000

Norway 10,000 Italy 15,000 Israel 30,000

Sweden 63,580 Austria 110,000

Common Qualifications of Turkish Immigrants-1

The first generation Turks: mostly from rural areas, with low educational backgrounds, without professional qualifications

Common Qualifications of Turkish Immigrants-2

• Lack of language & communication,

Feeling lonely and insecure,

Willingness to continue their living style,

segregated immigrants from the rest of the community.

Educational backgrounds,

Living standards,

Effect their school

performance and

integration.

Common Qualifications of Turkish Immigrants-3

Insufficiency of the host country's language competencies,

Difficulties to learn mother-tongue,

Lack of communication with in families and with schools

Lead migrants to special education

Common Qualifications of Turkish Immigrants-4

Services Provided by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE)

MoNE has appointed abroad Turkish Language and Culture teachers since 1970’s, to guide students and their parents.

Number of Teachers Appointed Abroad 2002 - 2007

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

900 1040 975 1000 1071 1149

MoNE• Prepares curriculum for Turkish Language and

Culture Course,• Signs bilateral negotiations and agreements at the

Ministerial level,• Arranges meetings of Education Experts with the

countries where Turkish immigrant population is high,

• Education oriented visits to Turkey for foreign principals, teachers,

• Develops sister school implementations.

41 Education Counselor and Education Attaché offices in 15 countries

United States of America

Federal Republic of Germany

France

Austria Australia Belgium

Denmark Georgia Netherlands

United Kingdom Switzerland Sweden

Egypt Russia Saudi Arabia

SUGGESTIONS-1• Additional courses,

• Mothers have a vital role,

• Teachers and multicultural dialogue,

• Surveys and analysis on successful migrant students,

SUGGESTIONS-2 “Successful Migrant Role Models”, Migrant integration projects, Expert support from motherlands,• Migrants adults

courses on language , vocational courses

• “Segregation Schools”

SUGGESTIONS-3

EU projects and collaboration with homelands,

A specific student mobility program.

Meral HACIPAŞAOĞLU

Deputy General DirectorMinistry of National Education, TURKEY

meralh@meb.gov.tr