Schooling of Migrant Children at Educational Institutions in Chonburi Province

Abstract

This research is a study of the policies and laws related to the schooling of migrant children, the conditions and problems of migrant children in schools in Chonburi province, and the best practices for the management of the migrant children in schools. The study has relied on qualitative research featuring interviews of seven school directors, together with a number of migrant children, parents and employers in Chonburi Primary Educational Service Area 1. The study result shows that there are laws, both domestic and international, and the related government policies, by which all schools have abided. If we adopt the 4-A scheme, education must be available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable. The study has found that teachers have not yet been trained to teach in accordance with the diversity of the students. However, teachers in every school have a positive attitude and provide open opportunities for children to show their abilities according to their talents. The number of migrant children in these schools is on the rise as a result of the increase in the number of foreign workers although some schools do not admit migrant children. Regarding the best practice, the fact that teachers have a positive attitude towards migrant children has resulted in equality. There is an ASEAN study room to provide language preparedness for migrant children, together with opportunities for participation in and/or relationship with local government, private organizations and communities to support education or activities.