Cultural inclusivity: formal schooling for children from families of refugee backgrounds in Australia Monika Krajcovicova

Presentation Structure _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Presentation Structure I. Research Background II. Pilot Study III. Conclusion

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Research background Refugee backgrounds community Supported by the state and the majority Have the power to strive for a better quality of life, while still being able to proudly proclaim their own culture in schooling Culturally inclusive schools Appreciate diversity, perceive it as a natural part of a modern society Encourage all individuals regardless of their cultural background, race, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, gender, or language.

Protection Visa Application Protection requests from boat arrivals _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Who are Refugees? A refugee is a person who is outside their home country because they have suffered (or feared) persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or because they are a member of a persecuted social category of persons or because they are fleeing a war (Amnesty International, 2014). Year* Protection Visa Application Protection requests from boat arrivals Total Application 2012-13 8,308 18,119 26,427 * Refugee Council of Australia, 2014

RESEARCH Understanding Values Culture Social borders Stereotypes Cultural borders

Pilot Study To explore areas of early childhood education for _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pilot Study The aim: To explore areas of early childhood education for refugee backgrounds children by engaging with expectations and experiences of their parents in Australia 2. To decide if it is worth carrying out a detailed investigation 3. To develop a research procedure

Interview Topics (Pilot Study) _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Interview Topics (Pilot Study) I. Parents' past and current experiences and expectations toward their education II. Parents' contemporary experiences and expectations toward early learning of their children in Australia

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parents’ Voices Past experience “We had good life there. What happened, one incident happened in 2003. The army came and killed our people. “ “What the people should understand that it is not our choice to become a refugee. We do not choose a country where we are going. If you refuse that offer maybe your case will be consider as a dead case. It is not of choice of the people to come to Australia.” “Everybody wants to live a good life. Refugee is not a good name and everybody wants to have a good name. “

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parents’ Voices Contemporary experience “I feel upset that I had to leave my country. In my age it is difficult to find a job in Australia. It is not easy to find a job.“ (Age 52) “I like Australia and Australian people, they are always smiling. If I need help , I feel that I can tell them and they will help me.” “I wish they understand that we are as much talented as Australian are and they should give us a chance to work and show our talent.” “I am Australian too. We are all the same now. A lot of refugees, immigrants are coming and they are Australian too. “

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Parents’ Voices Education “I do not see a good future for my children as far as they did not study well and had good education they do not get a good job here.” “Education in Africa is what teacher says, no books or computers. In Australia it is best for the self-study but not easy for someone who does not speak English as I see it with my children.” “Our children hear what teachers say but they do not understand.” “With the language barrier the education will be not clear for the refugee family. Some came with not English, some came with not education and English will be a great problem for them.” “ English is a big problem here and also the refugee children coming from overseas do not achieve a good education in Australia.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Interaction Our School! INCLUSION  Creating culturally inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments

FEAR OF UNKNOWN Understanding Values Culture Respect differences Compromise Culture Education Knowledge

Refugee children deserve a place to call home, _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Conclusion Refugee children deserve a place to call home, better quality of life and education, while still being able to proudly proclaim their own culture

Dr Monika Krajcovicova School of Education and Professional Studies THANK YOU Dr Monika Krajcovicova m.krajcovicova@griffith.edu.au