The Possible Experiences of Refugee Children
A refugee child may:
- have lived in a country affected by war and political violence
- have experienced fear and anxiety during their journey to safety
- be coping with bereavement and family separation
- have been to school already, had a disrupted education or no previous schooling
It is important to remember that:
- refugee children are not a homogeneous group
- children, like adults, vary in how they can cope with adversity
- forms of violence, repression and persecution differ. [1]
Therefore it is unhelpful to formulate uniform conclusions about the emotional and psychological consequences of exposure to war, violence and persecution. In particular it is important to avoid simplistic assumptions that all refugee children are 'traumatised' by their experiences.
There are a range of risk factors that interrelate with other protective factors, which may shield children from distress, and support achievement.
Recovery
For many children school plays a vital role in assisting their recovery and supporting their well-being. By restoring normal daily routines it can provide a sense of hope and security. In addition, schools can:
- help refugee children make sense of their experiences
- provide them with adults and friends they can trust
- help them regain their self-esteem and confidence.
[1] Adapted from 'In Safe Hands: a resource and training pack to support work with young refugee children' (2001) Published by Save the Children and The Refugee Council.