Event

Migration Talks: Rethinking Diversity and Integration - A Symposium on Migrants and Refugees

Event Date(s): 04/10/2024

Location: Centre for Language Learning (CLL) Auditorium , UWI St. Augustine


On Friday, October 04, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., The University of the West Indies’ Centre for Language Learning (CLL) and the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics (DMLL) in collaboration with the Pan American Development Foundation will be hosting a symposium entitled, Migration Talks: Rethinking Diversity and Inclusion. This symposium will be held at the CLL Auditorium.
 
Trinidad and Tobago, a nation celebrated for its cultural diversity, faces unique challenges in integrating migrant populations. This symposium aims to foster a dialogue that centres on the vulnerabilities of these populations, particularly in the areas of education and socio-cultural integration. By fostering dialogue, sharing the most effective strategies and identifying innovative solutions, the symposium seeks to develop recommendations for policies and practices. 
 
The symposium seeks to: 
  • raise awareness of the specific challenges faced by migrants and refugees in Trinidad and Tobago, with a particular focus on education and socio-cultural contexts. 
  • foster collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and community organisations. 
  • identify and promote effective strategies for integrating migrant children into public schools and addressing their socio-cultural needs. 
  • advocate for policy changes that support the rights and well-being of migrants and refugees. 
 
Education Panel 
This panel will focus on the work that has been carried out to integrate migrant children into public schools, address language barriers, and ensure equal access to educational opportunities. 
Panellists: Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and The UWI. 
 
Socio-Cultural Integration Panel 
This panel will deal with the varieties of initiatives that have been implemented to promote cultural understanding, address discrimination, and support the socio-economic integration of migrants and refugees. 
Panellists: Representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, and the Heroes Foundation. 
 
Panellists include:
  • Sharon Mangroo, CEBM
  • Nicha Selvon Ramkissoon (PhD), UTT
  • Ginnall Thomas, Principal, St David’s RC Primary School
  • Romulo Guedez Fernandez, UWI
  • Tracey M. Lucas, UNICEF
  • Alma Jenkins, Consultant
  • Amanda Solano Badilla, UNHCR
  • Desery Jordan, IOM
  • Lawrence Arjoon, The Heroes Foundation
 
Panel moderators:
  • Hannah Katwaroo, Project Director, PADF
  • Giselle Mendez, Program Manager, PADF
Click here to register.

Open to: | General Public |


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