Refugee youth 'falling through the cracks' in Manitoba's education system, report finds

Refugee youth often "fall through the cracks" in Winnipeg's education system, according to a new study ofteenagers and young adults who had limited access toschool before immigratingto Canada.

The report, called "Supported Transitions," was authored by a coalition of newcomerorganizations in Manitoba and examines barriers faced by manyrefugees aged15 to 21.

These include issues like confusion within the educational system, additional pressures outside of schoolincluding financially supporting their families and dealing withsometimes traumatic pasts.

"This is a small but really high-needs group of youth," the report's lead author, Nicole Jowett, said.

Before arriving in Canada, many lived in refugee camps or in conflict zones, meaning their education was disrupted. In some cases, they never even went to school, said Jowett, a community-based researcher with the Newcomer Education Coalition.

"Even though they come with many strengths, a lot of [these] youth are falling through the cracks."

The report specifically looked at the older youth who have "interrupted schooling," meaning theyhad limited access to schooling before arriving in Canada,and may lack reading, writingand oral English skills because of it.

All study participants pointed tounmet basic needs particularly housing instability and unaffordable transit that limited their opportunities as students.

Many of the gaps are felt by older refugee youth, Jowett said.

Most of the youth surveyed described discouraging experienceslinked totheir age and eligibility in school, the report said. Many were turned away from multiple schools because they were over 18, despite the fact that they have the right to attend until age 21.

It also identified significant confusion withE-credits, which areadapted English-language courses in Manitoba meant to help transition these students to regular courses.

The report found many studentsgraduated high school unaware theE-credits are not recognized by post-secondary schools. Itrecommends reforming the guidelines for the use of the E-credits.

'Amazing perseverance'

There are pressures beyond school too, the report found, including past trauma and the need for refugee youth to support their families including things liketranslating for their parents or taking part-time jobs, Jowett said.

She recalls hearing from one young man about his need to hold a job and go to school at the same time.

"He would work night shifts so that he could go to school during the day. He would work until fourin the morning, go home and have a couple of hours of sleep, and then wake up so that he could go to school," Jowettsaid.

"They have this strong need to develop their literacy, academic and language skills, but meanwhile they're facing a lot of adult responsibilities."

The report also found that policies for helping youth varied between schools, and found a lack of support for young adults who are still struggling to learn Englishin part due to federal funding cuts to higher-level language classes.

The report recommends the current review of Manitoba's education system include increased funding for these students.

The research was conducted throughout 2019and involved interviews with 42 people, including students, parents, refugee support groups, English language teachers, and school administrators at all of the Winnipeg-area school divisions.

Youth came from countries including Syria, Iraq, Sudanand Somalia, among others.

Despite the challenges they face, Jowett said it's also important to note the "amazing perseverance" of the youths.

"These youth are coming with a range of experiences that might be very different from youth here," she said.

"It's important to understand their strengths, skills, and experiences."