nascireland.org - Policy on Education

Nasc’s Policy on Education

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Education and Training for Adults: Rights, Access and Participation

Nasc Definition of Current Situation in relation to Education

A number of issues affect asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in general, including:

Lack of government strategic policies in relation to the provision of education / training which is appropriate to the needs of new communities. The fact that there does not exist effective local education authorities leads also to lack of strategic thinking at a local level in relation to education/training.
This is reflected in the provision of English language training which is currently being addressed as an issue of “how many teaching hours are available” by local colleges and voluntary organisations and little direction in relation to a city wide strategy based on identified needs of the migrant population, appropriate curriculum and appropriate progression levels.
It is also reflected in the fact that many migrants have difficulty in relation to recognition of qualifications and prior learning/experiences. This applies to different types of education, including trades and professions.
Information provision in relation to education/ training for migrants is somewhat uncoordinated in the Cork City area.
The existence of barriers to accessing education/ training in for unemployed migrants/refugees.
Low skilled migrants who are working are not accessing appropriate training/ education leading to career progression – both in house and in education/training system in general – hence they are staying at a lower level of pay and conditions and have poor promotion prospects

What Impact/Change Nasc wants to make on this Issue

Migrants can access targeted, appropriate, well resourced English language classes in Cork City.
Migrants can access education/training opportunities at an appropriate level.
Those who have not had educational/training opportunity and are finding it difficult to access mainstream educational opportunities, are supported to access and participate in education/training at an appropriate level.
Those who are working can access education/training opportunities which will help their career development and promotional opportunities.
Migrants in general do not have to put their “lives on hold” or restart their education/training. Their migrant status is recognised and prior experience / qualifications are recognised. People are recognised for what they can do and can progress from there.
Migrants living in Ireland are not considered for third level fees in the same way at “international students”.
Refugees can continue with their education once granted refugee status, without having to wait for 3 years for free fees.
Migrants access clear, understandable information about education/training opportunities in Cork.
Those providing information or those working as education/training providers, are aware of the rights and needs of migrants and take action to meet those rights and needs.

What kind of actions might Nasc consider as part of its advocacy work on this issue?

Working with local statutory agencies, colleges and voluntary organisations to devise a strategy on the provision of English language in Cork City.
Work on 3 case studies with specific courses to provide pilot studies in relation to recognition of qualifications/prior learning.
Devise a strategy on the coordination of provision of information about education/training in Cork.
Carry out research to identify barriers to education/ training for non working migrants and refugees (e.g. refugees, people with leave to remain, families under FR Scheme, asylum seekers) and take appropriate actions based on this research.
Work with employers, education and trainer providers and migrant workers to devise strategies for education/ training progression routes and produce three to five case studies.
Produce a publication / web site on “how to find work/education Cork”.
Devise / run a training module with and for information providers on education/ training rights.
Devise /run a training module with and for education and training providers on education/ training rights.
Carry out a focused campaign on exemption from 3 year rule relating to free fees for refugees, people with humanitarian leave to remain or subsidiary protection and their family members.