Discussions

Your Name and Title: Jessica Msofe, PhD Student (Educational Studies)

School or Organization Name: Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Canada

Language in Which You Will Present: English

Target Audience(s): Secondary school teachers, Secondary school administration, Educators serving refugee students

Short Session Description (one line): This presentation discusses the experiences of African refugee students in Canadian secondary schools, in their own voices, providing insights into the types of support required.

Full Session Description (as long as you would like): Drawing on qualitative research conducted with adolescent African refugees in secondary schools, the presentation will cover some of the challenges these students faced in educational attainment, as well as how further support is needed in the school system. Often adolescent refugees, specifically African adolescent refugees, arrive in host countries as unaccompanied minors, with low levels of English proficiency and gaps in education. These are challenges that students must navigate, as their needs are often not recognized, and therefore appropriate support is lacking. Ideas for teachers and administrators to implement effective support measures will be discussed, including the need for mentors. 

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: