Intercultural education

Definition

The word intercultural in the term intercultural education is made up of the Latin “inter”, or “between”, and “culture”. This means that an education takes place between two or more cultures. Culture is expressed in language, customs, manners, festivals, morals, religion, music, medicine, clothing, food, etc.

In intercultural education, different cultures are dealt with, and the aspects listed above are accordingly illuminated and examined. The other culture is viewed at eye level and with appreciation. This is intended to promote understanding for other cultures and thus a peaceful coexistence.

Intercultural education enables people to understand and grasp the behavior of people who belong to another culture, even though it is different from their own actions. This is achieved through the confrontation with other cultures. Foreign cultures are thus brought out of the corner of the unknown and frightening.

In intercultural education, an exchange between cultures can and should take place and the fear of heterogeneity in society can be reduced. People should meet each other respectfully, appreciatively and tolerantly so that an equal togetherness develops. It is desired that the coexistence of different cultures leads to a common ground beyond mutual acceptance and “living side by side”.

Furthermore, the goal of this education is not only to create a dialogue between the cultures, but also to develop an openness towards another culture, which makes you willing to learn from the other culture or to integrate it into your own life. It is not only important to discover and live the similarities of the different cultures, but also to dare to look at the differences or contrasts and to see them as enrichment and expansion of one’s own horizon. All this pursues the goal that a society composed of very different cultures can live together in peace and contentment.

How does intercultural education work in kindergarten?

A kindergarten, which places great value on the intercultural education of the children, makes every effort to provide appropriate materials and the necessary facilities. The aim of the kindergarten is to give the children, regardless of their origin or religion, food for thought and to symbolize the openness towards other cultures. Different cultures and religions can be represented in pictures, books, toys, etc.

For example, a story of an Asian can be read one time and the next time an African story. Furthermore, in an intercultural education it must be clear to the children in the KITA that all children, regardless of their origin, religion or culture, are equally welcome. This also means that all children are in contact with each other, are open, tolerant and appreciative.

Accordingly, children from different backgrounds are mixed in the kindergarten groups. Each child should be given the opportunity to live his or her own cultural characteristics within a certain framework. This includes the wearing of certain clothes or religiously determined dietary rules.

Therefore, the educational program must enable the children to learn about other cultures, their religion, customs and traditions, so that they can live together successfully and understand the behavior of children with a different cultural background. This is successful if the educators clearly show the children that they are always open to questions on these topics and that they are happy to answer them together. Furthermore, the experiences of children and their families with regard to (religious) festivals can be discussed in the groups.

In addition, educators can make excursions to museums that convey knowledge about different cultures. In addition, parents can also contribute to intercultural education. For example, they can give lectures in the group about certain cultural customs.

It is important that the parents are involved in intercultural education and are informed about it.Already when the child is enrolled in kindergarten, questions relating to the different cultures should be clarified and openly explained to what extent the children have different developmental opportunities. Furthermore, it is important that the parents also have a tolerant, benevolent and respectful attitude towards other cultures, so that the values that are taught in kindergarten do not meet with any resistance at home. In many kindergartens with a high interest in intercultural education, there are programs for parent education in the form of parents’ evenings or special events to impart knowledge about other cultures. The next topic might also be of interest to you: Daycare