EDUCATING THE NEW ARRIVALS

The emergence of a new generation of African migrants and refugees in Australian society in recent years has led to a reconsideration of educational priorities; and a fresh approach to multicultural education.

The needs of the African child in school have also come into focus; challenging the established views of educational planners and teachers; leading to a rethink of curriculum development at all levels.

In fact, a significant change is in the air and some schools have already responded, positively, to the educational needs of the new arrivals.

School liaison officers have been employed in some metropolitan schools and put to work with the African families; helping to deal with some of the issues facing the African child in school - a move that is likely to facilitate a more collaborative arrangement between the school system, parents or care givers.

Meanwhile, the Seaton Primary School in Adelaide, South Australia, is looking for a qualified language instructor to teach an African language to all classes R – 7 ( a total of eight classes) for weeks 1 – 8 inclusive in term 4, 2004.

The African language to be taught is not specified at this stage. I assume it will depend on the qualifications of the successful applicant. Be that as it may, this is a positive development for the Africans in Australia.

This development has led to several conclusions: that is that the Africans are here to stay. Evidence points to the fact that African culture and values are increasing being recognized and articulated into the system in a way nobody could have predicted a few decades ago.