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Reflecting on Participation at the Refugee and Migrant Education: Pathways for Hope, Understanding and Meaningful Integration Conference in Rome, Italy!

«From November 6-8, I had the privilege of participating in the Refugee and Migrant Education Conference hosted by the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, Italy. This three-day event gathered journalists, academics, human rights defenders, policy makers, and community leaders from across the globe, dedicated to addressing the educational, social and economic needs of refugees and migrants worldwide. The experience was both eye-opening and inspiring, with sessions that delved deeply into the unique challenges faced by displaced students and the innovative solutions aimed at empowering them.

 

The conference began with a welcoming session featuring opening remarks from the representatives of the Scalabrini International Migration Institute and and from Villanova University. They set the stage for the event by discussing the urgency of refugee education in a world marked by constant crises and migration flows. The representative of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) underscored the context, emphasizing the need for collaborative global efforts to ensure that refugee students receive the education and support they deserve.

 

The plenary sessions highlighted the state of refugee education, presented by JRS Geneva representative offering a global perspective. A standout part of the day was a panel on "Refugee Perspectives," where several university students who had been refugees shared their journeys. Listening to students from Afghanistan and from South Sudan was deeply moving. Their stories of resilience and hope reminded everyone of the transformative impact education can have, even amid adversity.

 

The plenary session, “Educating University Students About the Global Migration and Refugee Phenomena,” brought together experts from academia, including academics from Villanova University and from the University of Nevada. This discussion underscored the importance of equipping university students with the knowledge and empathy to understand the complexities of global migration. I was particularly inspired by insights on how universities can foster a culture of support for displaced communities. Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, provided updates on the UNHCR’s initiatives, including the Global Compact on Refugees, as well as the innovative UNICORE project, which facilitates access to Italian universities for refugees. The representatives from LUISS University and from Refugee Education UK shared their best practices for helping refugee students thrive academically and socially.

 

We explored effective strategies for integrating high school-aged refugees into educational systems. An education specialist from JRS moderated a discussion on breaking down barriers to access secondary education. Presenters from the JRS/Oxford Refugee Studies Centre highlighted the need for flexible, inclusive policies that help young refugees overcome the structural challenges that often limit their educational progress. On the final day, Workshop – From Displacement to Opportunity focused on advancing economic inclusion for refugees. We discussed sustainable, inclusive market systems that empower refugees and their host communities alike. This session brought attention to the economic dimension of integration, showing how access to job opportunities and entrepreneurship programs can transform lives.

 

Throughout the conference, the plenary sessions and open discussions offered opportunity for reflection and connection. The final session, “Collaborative Advocacy,” included valuable insights from the journalist of The Guardian and a journalist from Pakistan, on how we can shift public narratives to be more supportive of refugee and migrant communities. Hearing from journalists about the critical role media plays in shaping public perceptions of refugees was a fitting conclusion to the event, as we discussed how education and advocacy go hand-in-hand.

 

Participating in this conference was an inspiring experience that has deepened my commitment to supporting forcibly displaced people. I am grateful for the knowledge and insights I gained from the remarkable panelists, participants and speakers. I am excited to apply what I learned to my work, advocating for more inclusive and equitable opportunities for displaced people worldwide.»

 

Viktoriia Palahniuk, Project Manager at Refugee council of Lithuania.

 



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