Policies

Early registration for refugee students

Context:

The Romanian Institute of Educational Sciences has developed a study addressing migration issues, marking the first publication by a public entity within Romania's educational system to examine the integration of refugee children into public schools. The research aims to identify barriers hindering the integration of asylum seeker and refugee children in Romanian schools and to propose actionable solutions for educational institutions.

Solution:

Integrating refugee children into schools faces several challenges, including inadequate documentation on their participation in Romanian language classes or preparatory years and uncertainties regarding their legal statuses. Furthermore, limited educational opportunities, inconsistencies in access to language classes, and lower participation rates exacerbate integration difficulties. To address these challenges, the authors advocate for early registration of refugee children in the Romanian Education Information System, comprehensive training for school staff on legal statuses and rights of migrant children, flexible language course organization, and cultural diversity training for teachers. Additionally, aligning education access legislation with asylum and integration acts and centralizing responsibility for the education of refugee and migrant children are proposed solutions.

Impact:

Implementing these solutions could significantly improve access to education for refugee children, thereby facilitating their integration into Romanian schools. Early registration and improved documentation systems would ensure timely enrollment, while comprehensive training for school staff would enhance their capacity to support migrant children effectively. Flexible language course organization and cultural diversity training would promote inclusivity and better meet the needs of refugee students. Moreover, aligning legislation and centralizing responsibility would provide a more coherent and coordinated approach to refugee education. However, these are proposed solutions that could help mitigate the issue at hand

Analysis

The proposed solutions can transform the educational landscape for refugee children in Romania. Addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity aims to create a more welcoming and supportive school environment. Furthermore, introducing restorative practices would foster a shift towards a more compassionate and holistic educational approach, promoting understanding and cooperation among students from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives signal a commitment to fostering equitable access to education for refugee children and advancing social cohesion within Romanian schools.However, it is important to ensure the cultural sensitivities especially related to a diverse range of displaced individuals with different value systems