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

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

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.

4. Protection Visa Application Protection requests from boat arrivals
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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
8,308
18,119
26,427
* Refugee Council of Australia, 2014

5. RESEARCH Understanding Values Culture Social borders Stereotypes
Cultural
borders

6. Pilot Study To explore areas of early childhood education for
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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

7. Interview Topics (Pilot Study)
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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

8. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parents’ Voices
Past experience
“We had good life there. What happened, one incident happened in 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. “

9. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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. “

10. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.”

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

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

13. Refugee children deserve a place to call home,
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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

14. Dr Monika Krajcovicova
School of Education and Professional Studies
THANK YOU
Dr Monika Krajcovicova