Refugee Student Integration: A Focus on Settlement, Education, and Psychosocial Support
Abstract
This research focused on understanding the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. The goals were to understand how communities and schools might better support integration, the unique psychosocial and academic needs of Syrian refugees, and how schools can support reciprocal learning among refugee, immigrant, and Canadian-born students. Findings revealedthatmany refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition, and again upon resettlement in Canada. Further challenges includeddifficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling, lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs, and racism and discrimination experienced by youth trying to integrate with their Canadian peers. The project reveals many gaps in programs and services and highlights the need for a coordinated approach among the different stakeholders in the refugee settlement and integration process.
Notes
Community organizations
NA
Gaps identified
Syrian refugee children have a hard time adapting to Canadian school environments upon arrival to Canada
Key recommendations
More research is needed about long-term effects of forced migration of Syrians
Relevant training for teachers to better understand the needs of refugee students
English language support programs are needed
Better communication between educational institutions, youth and their families, settlement agencies, and community organization
Key findings
Findings revealed that many refugees experience triple trauma as a result of forced migration, having experienced trauma in their country of origin, during transition (in a transition country), and again upon resettlement in Canada.
Other challenges:
difficulties in acquiring a new language, interrupted schooling
lack of resources for teachers who felt unprepared for the complexities of student needs
racism and discrimination
Location
Calgary, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba
Key populations
Syrian refugees
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Participants who came to Canada within the last 12 months
Open-access – Yes
https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/jcie/index.php/JCIE/article/view/29364/21379