Abstract
The rapid response to settle Syrian refugees in Canada has had a profound effect on communities, schools, and social service agencies. This article discusses a research program that examined the integration and settlement of Syrian children and youth in Winnipeg and Calgary. Through the examination of the school and community contexts, the research focused on the educational and psychosocial needs of re-settled Syrian refugees and the reciprocal learning between refugee, immigrant and Canadian-born students. With contributions from youth, parents, and relevant stakeholders, the research identified gaps in programming and services as well as promising practices that support newcomers. Issues surrounding trauma, interrupted schooling, separation and loss, racism and discrimination complicated the settlement and integration efforts. Findings indicate that Canadians and Canadian service providers have a major role in supporting the successful integration of refugees. Cultural support workers, cultural brokers, and community liaison personnel are paramount to bridging the school to families and community agencies.
Highlights
We are living in unprecedented times with over 65.6 million people displaced from their homes because of conflict, persecution, and human rights violations with little evidence that this trend will change (UNHCR, 2017)
More than half of these are children. Refugee children and their families are a key focus for resettlement efforts
In early 2011, as the Arab Spring spread across the Middle East and North Africa, a group of boys sprayed anti-government graffiti onto the wall of their school in support of the Arab Spring (Al Jazeera, 2017a)
Summary
We are living in unprecedented times with over 65.6 million people displaced from their homes because of conflict, persecution, and human rights violations with little evidence that this trend will change (UNHCR, 2017). This marks the highest number of displaced people since World War II. World leaders must grapple with how they will respond, and society must decide whether they will welcome or turn away—build walls or open doors Of this displaced population, 22.5 million are classified as refugees forced to leave their home country. These events led to outrage in the country and peaceful protests to demand change
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