Indicator history

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Provision of option to learn mother language other than the majority's

Code:
RED81
Key Area:
Education
Strand(s):
Discrimination, Equality
22/02/2012 - 15:37
Short Answer

In the case of children with migrant background, only outside the curriculum thanks to initiative of teachers.

In the case of the oficially recognised Muslim minority in Western Thrace, yes.

Qualitative Info

According to the migration legislation in force, optional teaching of mother tongue and culture may be provided to a specific school upon the condition of a high number of interested pupils and after a decision of the Minister of National Education & Religions.[1] Nevertheless, despite the provision for intercultural education, special lessons of mother tongue, culture and religion for immigrant pupils have not been put to practice, although the migrant associations have raised such claims through formal applications.[2] A good practice performed by the teachers of the 132 elementary School of Athens on their own initiative was de facto paused by the new director appointed by the Ministry of Education causing tensions and the Greek Ombudsman unsuccassful and unresponded intervention.[3]

In the case of Muslim minority in Western Thrace, textbooks and courses are also held in Turkish language.



[1] Law n.3386/2005, art.72.4.

[2] As provided by art.35 of law n.2413/1996 and art.72.4 of law n.3386/2005 and noted by the Greek National Commission for Human Rights in its observations on the Report of the Foreign Affairs Ministry about the application of the International Convention for the Elimination of any Form of Racial Discrimination. (14.2.2008)

[3] More information is found on the school’s site created by pupils and teachers of the 132 elementary school of Athens: http://www.132grava.net

 

Groups affected/interested Migrants, Ethnic minorities
Type (R/D)
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas Education
External Url http://www.i-red.eu/resources/publications-files/raxen-ts-2010_racist-hate-crimes-in-greece.pdf
Situation(s)
Library