The Minister for Education has announced new school guidelines today that aim to tackle racism and develop a more inclusive classroom environment.
Mary Hanafin said the Government had identified that education was one of the most important means of combating racism and developing a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland.
Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin
The new publication, Intercultural Education in the Primary School - Guidelines for Schools,aims to support teachers, school management and other members of the school community in providing children with the knowledge and skills they need to participate in society today.
It provides guidance to teachers and schools in school planning for inclusive schools and classrooms, exploring opportunities for intercultural education, selecting appropriate resources, assessment with an intercultural awareness, and creating environments for second-language learning.
The publication also provides information on topics such as ethnic and cultural diversity, racism and the characteristics of intercultural education.
Ms Hanafin said: "At its core, intercultural education is about education which respects, celebrates and recognises the normality of diversity in parts of human life."
"Increased migration to Ireland since the 90s has contributed significantly to the broadening of cultural diversity spanning traditions and languages from around the world," she said.
"Our challenge is to promote the fulfilment of the high aspirations of these new families in coming to Ireland."