A Better City for Multilingual Children
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
The initiative aims to help parents support their multilingual children. More than 70 languages are spoken in Reykjavík's primary schools. Eight out of 10 multilingual children are two standard deviations below the grade-level average for academic vocabulary. Reading comprehension among second-generation immigrants remains nearly the same as that of first-generation immigrants, indicating that support in schools is not achieving the desired outcomes.
Following interviews with children, parents, specialists and others, strategies have been selected to best assist multilingual children and their families in adapting to Icelandic society and learning Icelandic. The proposed solutions are wide-ranging, addressing key areas including school operations, leisure, and home life. These initiatives will now undergo user testing, iteration, and prototyping.
This process will determine the final format for each solution—which ones will be digital and which will be location-based. Development and implementation are scheduled for the first half of 2024. The project is funded by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2024
Status report on July 1, 2025
The project concluded in fall 2024, and its findings were presented to stakeholders. These findings will be applied in Reykjavík and across the country through the MEMM collaboration between Reykjavík City, the Center for Education and School Service, and the Ministry of Education and Children.
Status report June 2025: This initiative is part of the new Education Policy action plan for 2025-2027 and will therefore be transferred from the Green Deal. More specific, related projects will be included in the new plan.
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description | |
| July 2025 |
The project concluded in fall 2024, and its findings were presented to stakeholders. These findings will be applied in Reykjavík and across the country through the MEMM collaboration between Reykjavík City, the Center for Education and School Service, and the Ministry of Education and Children. Status report June 2025: This initiative is part of the new Education Policy action plan for 2025-2027 and will therefore be transferred from the Green Deal. More specific, related projects will be included in the new plan. |
Related actions
Societal objective
- 1. For All of Us | The Green Deal Residents' well-being and the feeling of belonging in Reykjavík.
- 2. Let Dreams Come True | The Green Deal Children and adolescents let their dreams come true.
- 3. Culture and arts will be integrated into city life | Green Deal Everyone has equal opportunities to participate in and enjoy culture and arts.
- 4. Sports for all | Green Deal Most people regularly engage in sports or other physical activities.
- 5. Improved public health | Green Deal A health-promoting, sustainable, and diverse community.
- 6. Human rights, increased participation, and improved conversations with residents | Green Deal Residents have the opportunity to work with the City to improve their quality of life.