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Blackfriars Priory School Refugee Program

Blackfriars Priory School Refugee Program. First Generation Refugees to Blackfriars. 2005 20 refugee students primarily from Afghanistan and Sudan No formal support structures Limited understanding of refugee needs. Refugee Leadership Program.

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Blackfriars Priory School Refugee Program

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  1. Blackfriars Priory School Refugee Program

  2. First Generation Refugees to Blackfriars 2005 • 20 refugee students primarily from Afghanistan and Sudan • No formal support structures • Limited understanding of refugee needs

  3. Refugee Leadership Program • Program initiated to enhance literacy levels through oral communication – CEO initiative • Student leaders presented their refugee experiences and opinions through a range of forums • Aimed to develop a better understanding of refugee experiences and attitudes

  4. First Generation Refugees to Blackfriars • Many born in home country • Witnessed first hand war and hardship • Typically had no previous schooling before Australia • Intensive responsibilities to support parents in their transition to Australia • Low literacy and numeracy levels • Strong camaraderie with their peers

  5. First Generation Refugees Overall Issues • Minimal access to the curriculum • Conceived aggression towards peers and staff • Disengaged and distracted in classroom environment • Emotional distress

  6. Successes of Leadership Program • Improved literacy levels and success with school • Stronger sense of collegiality between students and staff • Greater understanding of how to meet the needs of refugee students

  7. Blackfriars Today

  8. Current Refugee Cohort • Typically grew up as refugees in other countries • English is potentially a 3rd language • Experience of racism • Have little knowledge of their mother country • Many have lost their fathers or are living with relatives

  9. Blackfriars today - Everyday Challenges • Literacy and numeracy skills • Funding and tightening of refugee terminology makes it far more difficult to access resources • Sheer numbers makes it difficult to manage individuals – boys get lost in the system • Boys far more eager to ‘fit in’ • Negative role models – gang culture • Parents’ sense of helplessness in controlling negative behaviour • Negative media perceptions and affect on students • Difficulties in accessing employment opportunities • Relationships with teachers and tension • Greater demands – ie. Accessing external services

  10. Refugee Support Person

  11. Mentoring Program • Counselling of younger students • Acting as translators • Working with primary school boys • Working with teachers to develop understanding

  12. External Mentoring Program Mentoring of Primary School Children Developing Leadership Skills Sharing of Refugee & Educational Experiences

  13. Homework Club • Supports Refugee students with their studies • Provides a space for students to gain extended learning experiences from subject specific teachers • Provides a space for student to interact and socialise with their peers and teachers • Provides a space to counsel and advise students

  14. Lunch Meetings • Opportunity to Socialise • Sharing issues and ideas with teachers and staff members • Organising events such as Refugee Week

  15. Joint Youth Program – Prospect Council & Blackfriars • Students form part of the Prospect Youth Advisory Committee • Develop strategies and activities to engage youth • Help to organise and facilitate holiday programs • Developed Youth Week activities and took on leadership responsibilities

  16. Student Achievements Innocent Bigga • Award for Excellence – Young Achiever of the Year Award (2007) • Prospect Counsel Young Australian of the Year Award (2007) Makuac Dhal • Multicultural Award for Culture and Language as part of the Young Australian of the Year Award category (2008) Sana Qasimy • Award of Recognition – Multicultural Award for Culture and Language (2009)

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