Lesson 8: Remittance

Migration does not benefit one person but a host of family and friends connected to the migrant as well as the individual’s country of origin and the country of migration.

Remittance: Part 1

Like many people from India, Safeer is a migrant worker who has been living and working in the GCC (The Gulf Cooperation Council- specifically in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia). Safeer sends money home to his family to support their livelihood.

Remittance is the act of sending money to one’s country of origin.

Without financial support in the form of remittance, Safeer’s family would face challenges related to poverty.

Think about how Covid-19 restrictions have affected his ability to support his family. As well, consider how the experience of being forced to stay home affected his idea of family. Fill in the chart provided to organize your thoughts.

https://www.migrantlives.net/?/migrant/3

Remittance: Part 2

Using the information in this interview, answer the following questions.

Dilip Ratha describes a 20% drop in remittance as a result of Covid -19 measures such as lockdowns, travel bans, social distancing and a lack of jobs. He states that this drop has affected every country around the world including remote villages. Dilip Ratha mentions concrete ways that remittance benefits those who receive it, for example, through business investment.

1. Why does Dilip Ratha describe remittance as a lifeline to poor countries? In your answer include the other ways in which remittance funds benefit those who receive them.
2. With a partner, brainstorm ways in which remittances benefit the migrants’ country of origin? A simple example is related to the purchase of groceries. The number of individuals or agencies that benefit from purchasing food might include: farmers (agricultural sectors), grocers (independent business owners), transportation networks (delivery trucks etc.,), and the people who eat the food. Consider other examples related to healthcare, education, the clothing industry, and housing. Record your thoughts below and demonstrate the connections between the various individuals or organizations involved.

Remittance: Part 3

The Infographic

An infographic communicates information in a visual format. It combines text, images and data in a simplified way to summarize a topic/issue. Infographics tell a “story” by providing information in a quick, easy to access manner that grabs the reader’s attention.

As a class, carefully examine the infographic entitled Migrants Make Significant Contributions to Both Their Host and Home Countries. Talk about what you see and about how the information is communicated.

Present students with the following questions and ask them to discuss their answers in small groups. Reinforce the importance of proving one’s thinking with specific evidence from the infographic.

• What is the purpose of this infographic? Think about the ‘story’ it tells.
• Consider the features of this text type. What do you think these are and what is their purpose? Refer to specific details in the infographic to support your ideas.

Possible answers to each of these questions are provided for guidance.

Example #1

https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/infographics

Teacher Reference

What is the purpose of this infographic? Think about the ‘story’ it tells.

The story details the very important contributions that migrant workers make to their host country and their country of origin. The image of the arm extended into the centre of the infographic is meant to reinforce the fact that migrants send money across countries, continents and oceans.

Consider the features of this text type. What do you think these are and what is their purpose? Refer to specific details in the infographic to support your ideas.

Based on what I see, an infographic appears to have many features that are unique to this form of text. I notice a main heading which introduces the focus of the infographic.  There is a simple colour scheme and simple images, like an outstretched hand holding money and a background image of the world map. There are no details in these images. I also notice text boxes in the form of speech bubbles giving the viewer information. Data is seen in the form of statistics which provide additional information. Finally there is a website in the lower left corner indicating you can learn more about refugees and migrants by visiting the website.

Tap into students’ analytical skills by asking:

Why is simple text used in an infographic? The text is intentionally simple to keep information concise and straightforward. An infographic should convey information quickly and only present the strongest details of the “story” which the infographic tells.

What skills are required to communicate in a simple but effective manner?

Summary writing skills, strong research skills, and carefully selected research material. Knowledge of colour schemes, layout, font styles and size to capture interest.

Activity:

In pairs examine the infographic and respond to the questions.

Immigration at a glace

https://bit.ly/3LuC2s6

Infographic Analysis

Example #1: Immigration at a Glance

1. Is the story clear? Does it have a logical flow?
2. What did you learn from this infographic?
3. Is the presentation creative? Consider font, colour, layout.  If you agree that it is, explain how. If you disagree, explain how it can be improved?
4. Do the visual elements and the text support the purpose of the Infographic? Explain.
5. In your opinion did the designer create an effective piece of media? Support your answer with evidence from the infographic

Infographic Assignment

5-6 Assignment

Your goal is to design an infographic. This infographic should explain through images and captions the following key terms:

• Who is a migrant?
• Who is a refugee?
• Who is an immigrant?
• The reader must gain an understanding of how these three categories differ and where they overlap.

Include 2-3 additional details you feel are necessary

7-8 Assignment

Your goal is to design an infographic. This infographic should tell the story of migrants and remittance, and how remittance has been impacted by Covid-19.

You must include the following information:

• Definitions for migration and remittance
• The top 5 countries that receive remittances
• The top 5 countries that are sources of remittances
• The impact of Covid-19 on remittance

Include 2-3 additional details you feel are necessary

Teacher and Student Resources: Canva and Easelly are great websites to use. They are free and user friendly. The links to these websites are:

Canva for Education

Easelly

Planning Guide

Infographic Rubric

Teachology https://bit.ly/3OLq8fF