Playing with Snow, with Peace and Freedom - English on the Margins: The educational experiences of young refugees in Bangkok, Thailand.

Abstract

This thesis explores the educational experiences, needs and aspirations of young refugees living in extended exile in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of the research was to elicit and document the perspectives of young refugees, in order to inform educational policy and programming in Bangkok and the wider region. An ethnographically inspired method was used, using diary data, semi-structured individual and focus group interviews, and two visual narrative projects. The methodology demonstrates the value of an ethnographically inspired approach in seeking child-friendly, context-driven and culturally responsive solutions to issues facing marginalized populations. The research data and its subsequent analysis indicated a significant need for alternatives to be developed for young refugees living in extended exile, who were unable to access mainstream school due to financial and legal restrictions; age, language and cultural barriers; and curriculums inappropriate to their needs, backgrounds and aspirations. In addition, the research highlighted a conflict between policy and practice in Thailand, showing how international, top-down policies, espousing access to school for young refugees, migrants and other non-citizen children, need to be more efficiently monitored and effectively implemented; ensuring not just the right to school, but also to a quality education that is relevant to their needs and backgrounds, and provides opportunities for a meaningful future. Schools, organisations and initiatives addressing these solutions must be more adequately supported, and less restricted in their efforts, actions and advocacy. The theories of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum have been used to create a capability framework of recommendations for refugee education in Bangkok that addresses these needs; is culturally responsive and relevant to an urban refugee context; and builds on the experiences, perspectives, and aspirations expressed by the young research participants living in extended exile in Bangkok, Thailand.