Empowering immigrant children at risk: The story of alex

Abstract

Immigration is a process of transition from one culture to another. The absorption process in the new country usually involves extensive changes on many levels. The present research is a Case Study focusing on the story of Alex, a child at risk who immigrated with his family to Israel. The study describes the process that Alex underwent with a personal mentor who provided guidance with the aim of empowering and advancing him academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. The research question was: What are the factors that bring about a breakthrough, achievement of goals, and transformation in working with new immigrant children at risk? The positive changes we found in Alex's well being were in his behavior and academic achievements. The most significant factors that affected Alex were empowerment and recognition of his qualities, strengths, and weaknesses; addressing his difficulties and coping with them in ways that he chose; conducting simulations; a reflective process; conducting an existential dialog with him throughout the period; and presenting the process as an enjoyable one. Conclusions. When we identify a certain difficulty that a child faces, we must create situations that allow him to learn to cope with this difficulty, next to us, in “greenhouse” conditions and in a protected place. We must explain the importance of asking for help in real time and not only after he feels exhausted, defeated, and helpless. We must be a “good fairy” to the child because children need help when they are distressed.