Sweden to reward quick learning immigrants

[Harold Schiffman]

Sweden to reward quick learning immigrants
Published: 13 Mar 09 15:29 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/18208/20090313/


The Swedish government has announced the launch of a
performance-related bonus for immigrants pursuing state-funded
language courses.


'Sweden doesn't need more universities': Leijonborg (13 Mar 09)
Birthplace matters in Swedish job market (12 Mar 09)
Employers shun foreign-born grads (12 Mar 09)

The bonus is designed to encourage students on Swedish for Immigrants
(Svenska för Invandrare - SFI) courses to complete their studies
faster. "The government is making significant investments in improving
the quality of SFI teaching and we now want to see if incentives
directed at the individual students get results," integration minister
Nyamko Sabuni in a statement on Friday.

"Stronger skills in the Swedish language improves opportunities for
employment and self-support," Sabuni concluded. The bonus will be
launched on a test basis and county councils are invited to register
their interest in being one of 15 municipalities chosen to take part
in the scheme. The Local reported in February 2009 that the SFI system
was set for a major overhaul after the publication of a damning report
by a state quality control agency.

According to the report the Swedish Agency for Public Management
(Statskontoret) more than one in three SFI students fail to complete
the programme within three years of starting their studies. And among
those that do get through the entire curriculum, only half manage a
passing grade in the programme's highest level within three years.

http://www.thelocal.se/18208/20090313/


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