Migration and childhood: social, linguistic and cultural aspects in border education

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by migrant children in municipal schools in Foz do Iguaçu, based on data collected during the research study ‘Migration and childhood: social, linguistic, and cultural aspects in borderland education’. The research was conducted in three municipal schools: Arnaldo Isidoro de Lima, Ponte da Amizade, and Professora Elenice Milhorança. Data were collected through interviews with school principals, pedagogical observations, recess observations, and focus groups with students and teachers. The results indicate that the language barrier is the main challenge faced by migrant children, but they also highlight the importance of a welcoming and inclusive school environment for the adaptation of these students. The article concludes with recommendations to improve the inclusion of migrant children in schools, such as the need for teacher training and the appreciation of cultural diversity.