Adolescent migrants in Irish schools

MU researchers ask: How are young migrants faring in Irish schools?

Since 2015, the world has witnessed the worst ever refugee crisis, with unprecedented numbers seeking refuge across the globe

Over half of the world’s refugees are children aged under 18, many of whom have come from conflict-affected countries where they have experienced, often multiple, traumas. However, little is known about how these children and young people are faring in their host countries. How are they being supported in schools and in the wider community? What about their mental health and wellbeing – and to what extent have they been affected by the current pandemic? The ‘SALaM Ireland’ study* (www.cmhcr.eu/salam), led by Professor Sinéad McGilloway, is a collaborative school-based project being conducted by a Maynooth University team. The study is part of a larger international research programme called ‘SALaMA’ (Study of Adolescent Lives after Migration to America) led by Washington University, St Louis (USA) in partnership with Qatar Foundation International (QFI), who are funding the research (€156,000). The new SALaM Ireland study is the first research of its kind in Ireland. It aims to assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of post-primary school students (aged 13-18 years) who resettled to Ireland from Arab-majority countries. It will also identify and explore the sources of daily stress in these students’ lives as well as the supports available to them. This ambitious programme of research will generate one of the first and most extensive data sets worldwide on the wellbeing of Arabic-speaking newcomer students. The study findings will provide important insights into the experiences and needs of these young people and the nature and extent of any stress which they may be experiencing in their daily lives, both in school and the wider community. The study will also illuminate ways in which schools and communities support these students as they adapt to life outside their country of origin. Collectively, the results will help to inform practices and policies to better support this population in America, Ireland and possibly elsewhere in the world. The SALaM Ireland study is led by Professor Sinéad McGilloway, Founder/Director of the Centre for Mental Health and Community Research at MU Department of Psychology and Social Sciences Institute, in collaboration with senior co-investigators, Dr Rita Sakr (MU Department of English) and Dr Anthony Malone (MU Department of Education). MU became connected to QFI via Andrew Parish (BSc 1990) and fellow alum Paul Porter (BA 1990). Porter, who works at the Belfast Royal Academy, is currently working on a QFI-funded project that uses art to reach out to Syrian children and teach their students about Arabic. The school also initiated a ‘Study Buddy’ project in north Belfast to help immigrant students settle into school and to help give the school’s pupils an appreciation of their struggle, and to learn their culture and language.

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University of Sanctuary opens doors

“I didn’t know what to expect, but Ireland feels like home”

By Peter McGuire

Ndodana Khumalo had his heart set on going to Maynooth, but it seemed like it might be out of his grasp.

Two years ago, Ndodana’s father fled political upheaval in Zimbabwe and was granted international protection in Ireland. “When he left direct provision, I joined him in Monaghan,” says 20-year-old Ndodana. “Study opportunities are limited in Zimbabwe and there is very little employment. But leaving was a huge step for me; I didn’t know what to expect in Ireland.” Ndodana enrolled in Monaghan Institute and sat exams to qualify for a place in thirdlevel. “A friend told me about Maynooth University’s general science course. He said that the campus was beautiful and very welcoming for refugees and minorities. I knew straight away it was the place for me, but didn’t think I could afford the cost of college.” Ndodana applied for one of Maynooth’s three Sanctuary Scholarships, which are open to international protection applications, refugees and those who have leave to remain, but do not qualify for free fees. The scholarships include a package of supports such as pre-paid transport, subsistence costs, a laptop and, crucially, a fee waiver. “No words can describe how grateful I was to be offered the scholarship,” Ndodana says. “It’s so hard for people who don’t have the funds to pay for college and who have to work several jobs. For me, it means that I can really focus on working hard and doing well in my general science course.” Earlier this year, Maynooth was officially awarded “University of Sanctuary” status in recognition of its initiatives to promote a culture of welcome for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants. The award is an initiative of the University of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) to encourage and celebrate higher education institutions that are welcoming and inclusive. The Sanctuary Scholarships form a key part of the university’s efforts. Ndodana moved from Monaghan to Maynooth at the start of this academic year and, while Covid-19 restrictions have changed the campus experience, he is taking it in his stride. “Of course, it’s not what we had expected or hoped for in terms of meeting each other and making friends. I’m sharing accommodation with four other lads and have enjoyed getting to know them -- they’re helping me pick up the Irish slang! I have only met a quarter of my classmates, but we all understand that it is for the best. We just have to abide and do what we have to do -- though I am looking forward to getting involved in the college basketball team when it’s safe.” Ndodana says that he receives moral and emotional support from his Maynooth classmates and lecturers. “Ireland has been so loving and welcoming to me. I haven’t experienced racism and I haven’t been made to feel different or separate. I really hope to stay here for the long-term, and I’m hoping to do a Master’s and get work in the pharmaceutical sector. I’m embracing Ireland like it has embraced me. It feels like home.”

Science student and University of Sanctuary scholarship awardee Ndodana Khumalo