Educational Challenges of Internal Migrant Girls: A Case Study among Primary School Children in Turkey

Abstract

This article seeks to investigate education-related challenges encountered by internal migrant girls studying at primary schools in Turkey. From the perspectives of participants, the emerging themes included adaptation, language, low socio-economic status, peer relations, discrimination and bullying. These challenges seem to have direct or indirect influence on academic achievement, school belonging, integration within the new social environment and self-esteem. The findings indicate that internal migrant girls are among the most disadvantaged children, since not only migration experience but also low socio-economic status and gender bias put them at risk of educational underachievement. Their educational challenges need to be acknowledged and taken into consideration by policy makers and educators to make sure that schools are capable of guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for all.