Forced Migrants' Experiences of Education and Integration in Wales
Lead Research Organisation:
Cardiff University
Department Name: Sch of Social Sciences
Abstract
The project will explore the role that education plays for asylum seekers in Wales (where sources of social capital may be lacking; Stewart and Shaffer 2015). The scope of the project will be asylum seekers who have entered Wales within a fixed 12- month period. The focus will be on parents (who may be affected in distinct ways by the asylum and dispersal processes).
Most forced migrants arrive in Wales through the UK dispersal policy for asylum seekers, but a high proportion leave Wales once leave to remain is granted (probably to areas with more access to social networks). (Crawley and Crimes 2009). This suggests that there is a problem with the re-settlement processes that needs to be addressed, perhaps in part through education and learning. Education is usually known to play a key role in the creation (or expansion) of social networks as both a key benefit and consequence (Jephcote et al. 2009). The settlement issues would suggest that's not happening for asylum seekers in Wales. Therefore, specific research and evidence on Wales is much needed to better understand these issues and to help identify possible solutions. This collaborative project seeks to address a gap in knowledge and to directly impact policy provision for local organisations and the Welsh Government.
Most forced migrants arrive in Wales through the UK dispersal policy for asylum seekers, but a high proportion leave Wales once leave to remain is granted (probably to areas with more access to social networks). (Crawley and Crimes 2009). This suggests that there is a problem with the re-settlement processes that needs to be addressed, perhaps in part through education and learning. Education is usually known to play a key role in the creation (or expansion) of social networks as both a key benefit and consequence (Jephcote et al. 2009). The settlement issues would suggest that's not happening for asylum seekers in Wales. Therefore, specific research and evidence on Wales is much needed to better understand these issues and to help identify possible solutions. This collaborative project seeks to address a gap in knowledge and to directly impact policy provision for local organisations and the Welsh Government.
