Promoting social participation of young refugees

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Arttu Tolin Promoting social participation of young refugees 44 Pages and 1 appendix Spring 2024 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Master of Social Services MA degree in Global Change and Community Development

The number of refugees has been growing rapidly during the last decade. The conflicts people are fleeing have become long term and so the state of displacement as well. Humanitarian organizations are providing people with basic needs, shelter, food and crops and livelihood opportunities. There is a group of people whose needs are crosscutting and holistic, young refugees.

The aim of this study is to understand how to promote social participation of young refugees in a developing country’s refugee camp context. An idea for the study came from Finnish Refugee Council whose expertise is in the humanitarian work with refugees. Concern was the young refugees and how to support them more besides their daily work in the camps.

The data was collected by interviewing workers from four different organizations who directly work with the refugee youth. The study was qualitative research, and the material was studied through thematic analysis.

The results show that reaching the youth and getting them to involve in programs that support their social skills and psychosocial wellbeing can be challenging. The refugee camp itself as an environment can make the work difficult but also the refugee community plays a huge role. Sport activities seemed to reach the youth and the use youth as a mentors were found to support the development of the youth. Involving the youth to the planning process of the work was found fruitful. Refugee led organizations have their potential as well.

Community and the camp environment are playing a huge role when planning programs for the youth. This study had four participants from different organizations, but the similarities were still there. The conclusion of the study is that elements of community development and youth work are needed so the refugee youth are reached. The youth work components could also be integrated to the humanitarian work that is done in the camps. Giving the youth responsibilities and possibilities would reflect on the whole community eventually.

Keywords: Young refugees, Social participation, Refugee camps, Community development