MA IDS Thesis Projects
Title
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring as a Method of Facilitating the Integration Process for Refugee Youth
Date of Award
1-1-2014
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
College
College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences
Department
International Development and Service
Degree Name
International Development and Service, MA
Abstract
This paper explores the refugee resettlement experience of refugee youth ages 10 to 24 as well as the role that host community peers can play in easing the integration process, helping refugee youth become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Host community peers, despite playing a crucial role in the integration of refugee youth, are often overlooked and not involved in this acculturation process. Given this, the author proposes a pilot project framework to create a peer-to-peer mentoring program that connects refugee youth with their local peers to facilitate a process in which all participating youth build skills through intercultural interaction and leadership opportunities.