Migrants’ Contributions

Introduction to Module 12: Migrants’ Contributions

In many societies around the world, there is an increase in disinformation (deliberately false information) about migrants and migration, contributing to increasing xenophobia (dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries). The many ways in which migrants contribute to societies are often overlooked in these discussions, and downplayed or taken for granted. It is therefore important to re-focus attention on the enormous opportunities migrants offer societies in both destination and origin countries. In this module, students will learn about the socio-cultural enrichment, civic-political engagement and economic benefits that migration brings, as well as the factors that support and hinder migrants’ contributions.

Learning Objective

Students will be able to articulate multiple ways migrants contribute to the socio-cultural, civic-political and economic areas of destination and origin countries. They will also be able to discuss the factors that support and hinder migrants’ contributions, and employ strategies that foster evidence-based narratives about migration and migrants.

WMR Chapter Focus

This module draws on Chapter 5 “Reflections on Migrants’ Contributions in an Era of Increasing Disruption and Disinformation” in the World Migration Report 2020, Chapter 6, “Migration, inclusion and social cohesion: challenges, recent developments and opportunities” in the World Migration Report 2020, Chapter 8 “Disinformation about migration: an age-old issue with new tech dimensions” in the World Migration Report 2022, and Chapter 2 “Migration and Migrants: A Global Overview” with a focus on the section “International Remittances” in the World Migration Report 2024.

Proposed Schedule

1-2 class periods (50-100 minutes) plus independent student work.

  • Class period one: introduction, student resource sheet; text-based and data-based questions
  • Class period two: Module One Scenario Interactive Activity: “Strategies for an evidence-based, positive narrative on migration and migrants.”

Student Assessment

There are several assessment options in this module and teachers may use some or all of them.

  • Understanding the Basics:

    • Questions based on the Student Resource Sheets

  • Going Further:

    • Text case study: The Salah Effect
    • Data case study: International remittances
    • Interactive scenario: Narratives on migration and migrants

Evidence of Learning

Students will work together to create a short video or write/create a social media post focusing on at least two or more contributions migrants make in their own communities. Students will complete an oral and/or visual presentation about the socio-cultural, civic-political and economic contributions of migrants in countries of residence and/or origin.

Starter Activity

Watch the short video ”Migrants making a positive contribution – Trinidad and Tobago.” Ask students to reflect on and discuss different ways they see migrants making positive contributions in their own communities.

Interactive Visualization:

Visit the World Migration Report Interactive to learn more about key data and information on migration.