ABSTRACT
September 11th, the War on Terror and media and public focus on Islamic groups resulted in enormous changes after 2002. The effects were noticeable in schools and communities across OECD countries. This epilogue had been intended as a commentary on this book by those involved in the research. I met with Ramsey, Leila and Mouhammed for lunch in a local restaurant the day after the London bombings, planning to interview them about literacy issues. We did not get to discuss my questions but discussed instead reactions to the political situation. There was a mixture of feelings of anger and dismay at the events and their inevitable aftermath. The comments in this epilogue extend beyond the focus of literacy and educational outcomes to the effects of recent changes on teenagers. Leila, Sarwat, Zena and Mouhammed are all teachers of Arabic-speaking backgrounds. They grew up and were educated in Australia. Sarwat has studied, lived and worked in Lebanon; Leila and Mouhammed have spent time in Lebanon.
