First steps in a new country: A guide for families moving to Iceland
Human rights School and recreation
Anyone who has relocated internationally knows how daunting those initial steps can be in an unfamiliar setting. To better support families during this transition, Reykjavík City — in partnership with the Polish School and The National Agency for Children and Families — published an information guide titled "Við og börnin okkar" ("We and Our Children").
Anyone who has relocated internationally knows how daunting those initial steps can be in an unfamiliar setting. Newcomers must navigate a complex landscape right away, from securing employment and housing to understanding their rights and obligations. Families with children face additional hurdles, particularly regarding their children's education and overall well-being.
To better support families during this transition, Reykjavík City — in partnership with the Polish School and The National Agency for Children and Families — published an information guide titled "Við og börnin okkar" ("We and Our Children"). Originally released in 2014, the guide has since been thoroughly updated and redesigned.
"We and Our Children" serves as a dedicated resource for parents, guardians, and family members of children moving to Iceland and settling into a new environment. It outlines the specific responsibilities, rights and obligations of parents and guardians while also addressing children's education and broader family welfare.
Readers can access the material in two bilingual editions: Icelandic and English, or Icelandic and Polish. These versions help immigrants learn various terms in Icelandic and are helpful for consultants when communicating with immigrants.
Visitors can browse the content online, enlarge the text on their screens, or download a PDF copy.
The Development Fund for Immigrant Affairs supported the production of this guide.