Three Refugee Youths' Journey to Education in the United States: A Participatory Action

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Analysis of International Education Issues

Abstract

This study discusses Karen refugees’ education experiences in the United States via a participatory action research. Three adolescent Karen brothers and the researchers visited with the Karen diaspora communities throughout the United States and in collaboration designed the study, collected qualitative data (interviews, participant observations, artifacts), and analyzed the data. We identified five issues challenged the Karen refuge youth in- and out-of school: English language divide, parental involvement, bullying, gangs, and gender. We suggest ways for teachers, school administrators, and community members to work with refugee youth in their journey to membership in their communities and schools. Furthermore, we discuss how involvement in a participatory action research can promote new awareness and agency for minority youth.

Authors

• Eunbae Lee, Georgia Southern University

• Daniel Gilhooly, University of Georgia