‘Key actors for systemic change’: ETUCE MOOC for education trade unions
As the world marks International Migrants
Day, ETUCE reaffirms the key role of the education trade unions in not only
protecting working conditions but also as catalysts for systemic change toward
inclusive education. This year’s message builds on the outcomes of ETUCE’s
recent project “ In
and Through Education: Education Trade Unions support the inclusion of refugees
and migrants.” One of the most practical outcomes of the project is
a MOOC
for education trade unions on addressing the inclusion of refugees
and migrants in and through education. Building on the project research
recommendations for concrete actions to be taken by education trade unions to
ensure the inclusion of migrant and refugees in education, teaching profession
and unions themselves, the course seeks to promote measures and practices of
education trade unions in addressing the challenges that education personnel
face regarding the inclusion of refugee and migrant learners in the education
systems, including in the context of trade union renewal and attractiveness of
the teaching profession. The MOOC is built on examples of the work by ETUCE
member organisations in various corners of Europe and features introductory and
explanatory texts; videos and accompanying readings; peer-to-peer learning
through virtual boards - all aimed at developing and reinforcing personal and
organisational knowledge and critical reflection.
ETU4REF project researcher Dominique Danau
(SAGO Research) underlines: ‘ When policies are absent or inadequately
implemented, the burden of addressing the resulting challenges falls on
teachers and other education personnel. Education trade unions play a critical
role in closing the implementation gap and advocating for inclusive education
policies. They are not only advocates for systemic change but also essential
actors in empowering migrant and refugee teachers by including them in union membership,
providing mentorship, and ensuring their voices are represented. Beyond policy
advocacy, unions engage in active cooperation with a broad range of
stakeholders, such as NGOs, community organizations, and other social partners,
to create holistic strategies that address interconnected challenges. This
collaborative approach strengthens social dialogue, promotes equity, and
ensures that inclusion efforts move from paper to practice.’
Education trade unions are also crucial in
countering the rising xenophobia and anti-migrant narrative propagated by the far-right
politicians and the social media, and in promoting positive stories and advantages
of the cultural diversity in education, teaching profession and society as a
whole.
For more findings, check the ETU4REF
Research Report here.
Enroll in the MOOC ‘Education trade unions
for Migrants and Refugees’ here.
