49
Education of Refugee Children
Education of Refugee Children
Tuesday, 12 July 2016: 09:00-10:30
Location: Hörsaal BIG 2 (Main Building)
RC04 Sociology of Education (host committee) Language: English
The education of refugees in emergencies or protracted situations is a challenging task for many of the hosting countries, which often struggle to provide relief and ensure access to basic needs such as shelter, food and health. Access to education is often among the priorities of hosting countries, however it embodies within it particularities that deserve a key focus. Striking a balance between the need to integrate refugees into host countries whilst at the same time maintaining their specific culture, identity and language in the education process has often proven to be quite a difficult task and an issue that is often overlooked.
Two main approaches to the education of refugees are often observed. The first is focused on their social, urban and economic integration, whilst the second considers them as temporary guests in a state of emergency who would shortly return back to their home countries. In the latter case, the education provisions often overlook the socio-economic outcomes and effects for the refugees on the job market.
The proposed session seeks to highlight the current debates around the education of refugees and present examples of different approaches and propositions, with a comparative perspective from some relevant cases in the region. The session offers a platform for discussion to better understand the complex and multi-faceted experiences of forcibly displaced persons from the perspective of refugees, host communities, civil society organizations and governments in order to develop more integrated, collaborative and durable solutions as far as education is concerned.
Session Organizer: