Exploring the Transformative Impact of Outdoor Education on Emotional Intelligence and Youth Development in Immigrant Community Settings

Abstract

In this paper, the researcher examines how outdoor education can transform emotional intelligence and youth development within immigrant communities in Finland. It is also based on the background of increasing migrant flow and the recorded psychosocial problems, including cultural dissonance, social isolation, and emotional tension experienced by immigrant youth, that this study fills a critical void in the field of educational practice and the literature. Traditional education frameworks, which tend to be academic standardization oriented most of the time, often neglect emotional and relationship aspects that are vital towards effective integration and the well being of this group of people.Using a qualitative, participatory research design, this paper partnered with the community organization, United Vision, to design and test a one-day pilot outdoor education program in Helsinki Central Park. Semi-structured interviews, participant feedback and observations of the facilitator were used to gather information about 12 multicultural and immigrant youth aged between 15-29. Leading to the thematic analysis of the data, significant results were found in five main spheres, namely improved emotional awareness and regulation, leadership and personal development, reinforced social bonding and sense of belonging, the key importance of the natural environment as a learning environment and the identification of the particular logistical challenges.The results prove that an even short-term, organized outdoor intervention can be used as a potent, equalizing medium, as it will help to decrease language and cultural differences, as well as encourage self-reflection, compassion and teamwork. The paper concludes that outdoor education is a feasible and effective pedagogical avenue that can be used to help immigrant youth to grow and integrate socially and emotionally. It is concluded with a set of recommendations and a practical framework that the writers of this paper recommend educators, policymakers and community workers to create culturally responsive, emotionally intelligent, and inclusive outdoor education programs.