The decisive role of school in the lives of unaccompanied refugee minors in Norway

Abstrakti

This article is about the signifi cant role school plays in the lives of unaccompanied refugee minors. School is important as an arena for learning and development as well as an arena to meet peers and build social networks. The article addresses rights and access to education for unaccompanied minors in Norway, and the various challenges they meet. These challenges frequently lead to leaving school early. Furthermore, it focuses on the psychosocial aspects of school, a secure setting allowing unaccompanied minors to be “ordinary” young people.

Discourse excerpts from interviews conducted in connection with an ongoing Norwegian research project are used to demonstrate the issues discussed. To promote school achievement, the importance of recognizing unaccompanied minors’ needs as well as resources is emphasized. Finally, a comprehensive approach to refugee schooling by providing educational and psychosocial support in various arenas – inside and outside school – is recommended.