Perception of the Swedish education system by African immigrant children and youth

Mgr. Anthonia Imuetinyanosa Kachie-ogoke

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The purpose of the study was to investigate the perception of African migrant children of Swedish education. Specifically, the study sought to examine the views of African migrants’ children and youths on Swedish language acquisition and adjustment; identify how African migrants’ children and youths adjust to their new environment in Sweden; examine the effect of the Swedish integration policies on the academic progress of African migrants’ children and youths; and identify the areas that require improvement in the Swedish integration policies towards African migrants’ children and youths on Swedish language acquisition and adjustment. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The population of the study comprised African migrant children residing in Sweden. The interview method was used to collect data from the respondents through physical interaction. A total of seven participants were interviewed until there was saturation of data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. It was found that language acquisition plays a pivotal role in the academic and social integration of migrant children into the Swedish education system. Support mechanisms within Swedish schools significantly contribute to the academic and socio-emotional development of migrant children. Additionally, integration policies aim to facilitate the successful integration of migrant children into the educational system and society. Moreover, practical skills education, particularly in areas like financial literacy and vocational training, is identified as an area for improvement in better preparing migrant children for adulthood and future success. The study concludes that robust language support mechanisms play a crucial role in the integration of migrant children in Swedish schools. The recommendations include strengthening language support programmes in Sweden, expanding practical skills education, enhancing teacher training and support, fostering peer support networks, and strengthening collaboration across various sectors in Sweden.

Keywords

Educational needs, Africans, immigrants, policies, and integration.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 5. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 19. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: prof. PhDr. Tomáš Sirovátka, CSc.
• Reader: Mgr. Roman Baláž, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Public and Social Policy and Human Resources / Social Policy and Employment Policy