Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Education

Abstract: The problem of coexistence and interaction of culturally different populations is a reality for Greek society, as since the 1980s Greece has been a host country for immigrants and refugees. In this paper we will attempt to approach the way of integrating the children of immigrants/refugees in the Greek educational system, where the principles of interculturality are promoted and is necessary to strengthen social cohesion, the harmonious coexistence of cultural and ethnic groups living in the country. Integration into society goes through education. The main objective is the intercultural sensitivity and training of primary and secondary education teachers on issues of cultural diversity and education of immigrant/refugee children. Within the framework of the European Union’s education policy, education systems must operate in an inclusive manner, and a series of institutional measures and educational policies relating to the protection of cultural diversity and the application of the principles of interculturality in their integration process are required. 

Key words: cultural diversity, integration, intercultural approach, education policy