Refugee youth face many challenges in their efforts to integrate into host societies. These challenges include language barriers, difficulty integrating into the education system, and the labour market. The exclusion of young refugees from social, economic and political participation can negatively affect their well-being, mental health and prospects. The inclusion of young people is, therefore, essential for their integration and the social cohesion of the host society.
Youth inclusion can take various forms, including participation in decision-making processes, access to education and vocational training, and participation in sports and cultural activities. These activities provide young refugees opportunities to interact with other young people, develop their skills and build their confidence and sense of belonging. Furthermore, including young people promotes mutual understanding and tolerance between refugees and host communities, essential for social cohesion.
Youth participation is essential to democracy, social development and community empowerment. Youth engagement in decision-making processes and community activities can lead to positive outcomes, including increased civic engagement and social inclusion.
Youth participation can also foster leadership development. When young people can participate in community activities, they develop leadership skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. These skills are crucial for personal and professional development and can also prepare young people for future leadership roles in their community.
Youth participation can promote social inclusion by giving young people a voice and a platform to express their opinions and ideas. When young people participate in decision-making, they feel valued and respected, which can help reduce social exclusion and foster a sense of belonging. Furthermore, young people’s participation can help to bridge the gap between different generations, cultures and communities, leading to greater social cohesion.
Youth participation is also an innovation for refugee integration. Initiatives created by Bulgarian and refugee youth can address various integration challenges that benefit local communities.
Youth Cooperation Lab for Refugee Integration
In March, the Bulgarian Council on Refugees and Migrants, in partnership with the UNHCR, held a Youth Cooperation Lab in Plovdiv with representatives of local and regional youth organisations from across the country and refugee youth. In collaboration with the Open Space Collective, the BCRM adopted the Open Space methodology for the event to enable youth participants to share their experiences on youth inclusion and how/what initiatives to create or adapt to integrate refugee youth.
The Youth Collaboratory is part of the Bulgarian Council on Refugees and Migrants’ strategic efforts to create a network of inclusive refugee youth communities.
Recommendations for successful youth engagement for successful integration:
Refugee youth should be involved in decision-making and co-designing youth projects. Proposals made included establishing youth councils and advisory committees and providing training and support to young people for effective participation.
The importance of non-formal education for the integration of refugee youth is critical. In addition to formal education, refugee youth should have access to non-formal and civic education that gives them the skills and knowledge they need to integrate and contribute to the host society.
Stakeholders should create more youth spaces in support of local and refugee youth. Communities must create safe spaces for young refugees to interact, learn and socialise. These spaces should be inclusive and non-discriminatory, allowing young people to express themselves freely.
Sports and cultural activities can bring young refugees and host communities closer, promoting mutual understanding and tolerance. Policymakers and practitioners should support the creation of sports clubs and cultural events that encourage youth participation.
