Teachers
Background
The experience of some refugee children will have been horrific, and most refugees have experienced loss and separation from all that is familiar. For many, in a new and unfamiliar society, education is the only hope for the future and it helps refugee families and the children to rebuild their lives. It is therefore important that schools have well structured support and integration procedures for refugee children. Time and energy invested in the planning and review of such procedures is often recouped later, and will benefit all pupils, not just refugees.
Country Information
Having access to a little background information on the child's country of origin can be empowering for teachers, and can serve to open friendly channels of communication with the children and their parents. As confidence grows, they may be happy to share their own memories and knowledge.
Accessing the Curriculum
Most refugee children want above all else to be involved in mainstream activities with their peers, and to experience success in their learning. Teachers will be aware of the diversity in their classes and will take this into account in their planning, developing approaches that include all children. Refugee children will not want to be marginalised by having to do large parts of their learning in separate groups, working on activities that are unrelated to the mainstream curriculum.
Children in Distress
For many refugee children and their families, school can play a vital role in assisting their recovery and in supporting their well-being. Most refugee children show great resilience despite the many adversities they have faced. Going to school, making friends and feeling a sense of belonging all support positive coping and mental well-being. For those few who do present on-going problems, schools will need to develop strategies for providing support.