Bridging the Education Gap: Riverside County Refugee Forum, Mar. 1st
Amidst the backdrop of global displacement, the third Riverside County Refugee Forum (RCRF) convened on March 1st, 2024, at the University of California, Riverside, as a beacon of hope and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our special guest, Marko Princevac - Vice Provost of International Affairs, for gracing the event with his presence. Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to our distinguished speakers, Elsa Moran, Family and Community Resource Liaison from the Riverside Adult School, and Delia Tijerina MS Ed., Supervisor for Outreach Services at Riverside Community College, for their invaluable contributions.
During the forum, participants were presented with striking statistics that shed light on the challenges facing refugee children globally. The number of school-aged refugee children has surged to nearly 15 million, up from 10 million the previous year. Shockingly, more than half of these children are deprived of a formal education, depriving them of the opportunity for a brighter future. These statistics underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to ensure access to education for all refugee children. As emphasized by an Afghan asylum seeker girl, "I couldn’t go to school in Afghanistan because of the Taliban, and I can’t go to school here [in the US] because I can’t afford it.” Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the barriers that refugee youth face and reinforce the critical importance of inclusive educational policies and initiatives.
“I couldn’t go to school in Afghanistan because of Taliban, and I can’t go to school here [in the US] because I can’t afford it.”
Participants engaged in candid dialogue led by Friba Dawar, HMI’s Cultural and Community Liaison, dissecting the multifaceted challenges that hinder refugee education. From financial barriers such as tuition fees and transportation costs to bureaucratic hurdles like documentation requirements and enrollment thresholds, a complex web of obstacles obstructs the educational journey of refugee learners. These insights illuminated the need for holistic solutions that address the root causes of exclusion and inequity.
Amidst the challenges, seeds of hope emerged as stakeholders brainstormed actionable solutions to enhance refugee access to education. The forum championed initiatives such as offering free classes at Riverside Adult School and Riverside Community College, providing complimentary bus passes for for-credit students, and implementing cultural education programs for teachers. These proactive measures aimed to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for refugee learners, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
In a testament to the power of collaboration, Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions stepped forward with a groundbreaking pledge to support refugee housing applicants. By offering letters of support, the initiative aims to assist refugees in securing long-term housing while actively seeking employment. This collaborative effort exemplifies the collective commitment to holistic support for refugee communities, demonstrating the transformative potential of partnership and solidarity.
As the discussions came to a close at the third Riverside County Refugee Forum, participants departed with a renewed sense of collective determination. Through shared insights, impassioned advocacy, and collaborative endeavors, participants reaffirmed their commitment to empowering refugee education and integration. As we navigate the complexities of displacement and resettlement, let us heed the lessons learned and forge ahead with renewed determination. Together, we can break down barriers, ignite opportunities, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all learners, regardless of their background or circumstance.
