Eureka! Institutional Repository

In Greek society, characterized as multicultural, people of different cultures, languages, beliefs and religions are expected to live together peacefully and democratically. Some choose to stay and settle in the country while others choose to move to other countries after only a short stay in Greece. In any case, the state is trying to ensure the education of all the minor children of these immigrant groups and families, regardless of their educational background, by formulating various policies and adopting practices designed to ensure a smooth integration and living. Pedagogy begins in the early stages of a personality’s formation when a child socializes in early childhood groups. For all parties involved, children, parents and educators, intercultural education is a crucial tool for their life requiring their active participation and effective collaboration. The primary goal of such an approach is to preserve their cultural and linguistic characteristics and to create a supportive environment that will offer security and a sense of acceptance. This dissertation seeks to explore the intercultural policies in pre-school structures and record the risks and opportunities offered through the intercultural education of children. Furthermore, its purpose is to show possible ways to develop intercultural education into a practice that will rapidly change the course of modern society. In addition, the main purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of intercultural education from early childhood, as it aims at treating all people equally and eliminating any prejudice, racism, and marginalization.