Diversity – a Challenge for Educators

Abstract

The challenge for most European countries is to educate second generation immigrants in particular in order to fulfill their parents’ dreams, but above all, to create a situation where students have hope of finding meaningful life in serving their new country in different workplaces. Effective education is a vital source of personal opportunity as well as means to support the economic development of young people in any society. Diversity must be viewed as a valuable learning source for all students in any classroom. In working and doing things together, students can develop a sense of respect for, and tolerance towards, different cultural and ethnic groups in our societies. Only through intercultural awareness and sensitivity can we ensure the realization of our interdependence on each other both locally and globally. This publication discusses the position of multiculturalism and intercultural education in Sweden, Norway, Ireland and Finland. It will help researchers, educators and general public to understand the complex interactions and negotiations that take place on a multicultural classroom and society as such.