Syrian Children and Families in Turkey: Missing Stories and Counternarratives

• In Event: International Perspectives on Promoting Family-School-Community Partnerships

Abstract

Drawing on the Figured Worlds theory, this study investigated the counter narratives of Syrian refugee families and children living in Turkey as reflective of their experiences in accessing and participating in early childhood education services. Utilizing narrative analysis method, 32 counter narratives were systematically analyzed. Findings revealed the agency of families and children, especially, their practices of coping, recovery, resilience, and competence along with searching for and creating educational resources. Beyond the conventional and stereotypical perceptions of refugee identity, findings show that refugee children and families figured out multiple identities, either carried from the past or constructed as they built a new life in Turkey. The study has implications for educational research and teacher education in countries with refugee populations.

Authors

• Elif Karsli Calamak, University of South Carolina

• Ersoy Erdemir, Bogazici University