An Analysis of Educational Policies for School-aged Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse the educational policies for Syrian school-aged refugees in Turkey. In this study, we identified the policy priorities for refugees by first examining the theoretical approaches to refugee education and the common problems observed for refugee education in different countries. Using this framework, we assessed refugee students’ access to education and the studies on providing quality education to school-aged refugees through an examination of the relevant legislation and research reports. This study draws attention to both the progress in this area (the development of school facilities, financial support for teachers and the provision of school supplies) and its deficiencies (the exclusion of students from outside the camps from education, staff shortages, problems preparing appropriate curricula along with special trainings and events to promote students’ socio-cultural adaptation and the shortage of psycho-social support services for traumatized students).