Abstract
Background
Amidst rapid developmental changes, refugee-background adolescents (RBAs) face unique challenges during resettlement, including adapting to new cultures, languages, and educational systems, while often dealing with pre-migration trauma. These youth need support to navigate educational and career pathways in their host countries. Using asset-based approaches, Teen Response (TR), a community-based program, aims to help newly resettled refugee youth reach their educational and career goals.
Objective
This study examines the strategies used by Teen Response (TR) to support RBAs in their educational and career pathways, as perceived by the participants.
Method
This research is part of a larger study exploring RBAs’ experiences in a community-based program. This paper focuses on the findings from focus group data collected from fifteen RBAs, offering in-depth insights into their experiences and perspectives within a community-based program.
Results
Analysis reveals three pivotal themes that significantly shaped the participants’ experiences: the learning environment, language competency support, cultural knowledge and skills enhancement in career pathways, and the need for extended support. Additionally, RBAs requested extended time in the program and advocated for all schools in the district to have access to TR.
Conclusion
Our findings underscore the importance of community-based support programs responsive to the distinct needs of RBAs and highlight the value of strategies that incorporate youths’ voices and perspectives.