Highlighting the Voices of Immigrant and Refugees: Examples of Community-Based Research

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Canada prides itself to be the number one country in the world welcoming refugees based on humanitarian basis. In parallel, educational systems are supporting refugee youth and newcomer families integration through continued research and teacher training. We explore how researchers from Canada are working with newcomer families and community organizations in innovative ways to improve services provided particularly within the context of schools. Educational settings often represent the first point of contact for newcomers within the host society. Beyond providing basic education, school districts are important partners in delivering resettlement services, including needs assessments, language assessments and training. We present results of three community-based studies pertaining to the educational experiences of immigrant and refugee participants – all conducted from different vantage points.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Theory, Research, and Practice

Chair

• Rahat Zaidi, University of Calgary

Papers

• Optimizing Refugee Parental Engagement in Schools - Rahat Zaidi, University of Calgary; Christine Oliver, Calgary Board of Education; Tom Strong, University of Calgary; Hanan Alwarraq, University of Calgary

• Documenting Stories of School Integration Among Immigrant and Refugees Families - Anusha Kassan, University of Calgary; Rahat Zaidi, University of Calgary; Patti Trussler, Mount Royal University; Mahnoor Khan, University of Calgary; Nina Sudra, University of Calgary

• Voices of Refugee Youth - Patti Trussler, Mount Royal University

Discussants

• Rahat Zaidi, University of Calgary

• Jose F Domene, University of Calgary