Take Action | It's time for targeted education provision for young refugees and asylum seekers | PPR
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It's time for a targeted education provision for young refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland.

For teenagers and young adults who arrive here, fleeing war and persecution, the relief of a fresh start is often quickly overtaken by feeling abandoned by our education system, where the compulsory age for education ends at 16.

The NI Department for the Economy has primary responsibility for further and higher education and skills development for people in Northern Ireland over 16, whether they were born here or elsewhere. As we have set out in our report, Stranded Dreams, targeted action by the Department for the Economy with support from the Department for Education, Education Authority, Department for Communities and the Executive Office is needed to support these young people to fulfil their huge potential and ambitions.

We are calling on the NI Executive to set up a working group during 2025 and prepare a pilot scheme to roll out in Belfast in the following academic year (2026/27).

I warmly welcome the publication of this important report. Article 28 of the UNCRC says that all children and young people have the right to education, no matter who they are, and that governments should do all they can to uphold and protect that right. I also welcome the focus on exploring possible solutions and urge the Department of the Economy and the NI Executive to seriously consider this report’s proposal for a tailored programme for the young people who have arrived seeking international protection.

Chris Quinn
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People
NICCY

Based on ­examples of best practice this scheme should include the following:

  • A flexible, full-time, 2-year-rolling programme for 16-24 year olds (this wider age being vital to address disruption to learning and varied needs)
  • Intensive English at 3 levels, accredited and focused on the English needed for further study
  • Tailored support for maths, science and other subjects, art and outdoor learning to practice English in a variety of settings and creating pathways to a range of learning
  • Module of talks, visits and learning for life and work in Northern Ireland, including exchanges and joint projects with local young people to support integration
  • Provision for personal and social education, trauma interviews, counselling and wellbeing
  • Support with study skills, careers advice and special educational needs provision
  • Delivered at and in partnership with existing educational settings, colleges and universities
  • Funded by Department for the Economy and potentially drawing on Home Office refugee integration funding and supported by other NI Executive departments
  • Free for participants, with help for transport costs and materials, recognising young people in contingency hotel accommodation have just £8.86 per week to spend.

Read our full proposal here. To endorse our campaign please fill in the short form below.