2.C Settlement and Integration
C.6 How is education treated?
(ii) What are the education needs of adult refugees?
How Canada Does It
Adults may have various education needs. These include language training, skills upgrading, finishing secondary school and/or post-secondary education, and participation in programs aimed at updating existing credentials to meet requirements in Canada. Some refugee adults may have limited formal education in their country of nationality, and limited literacy.
Adult education is not compulsory or free although special scholarships may be available. Many school boards in Canada offer special day, night, or summer high school classes for a fee to help adults prepare for their General Education Development (GED) test and obtain their high school diploma. In many instances, high school diplomas may be required in order to access employment or further education opportunities.
In addition to the pressures and stresses of adapting to life in their new community, adult refugees may also experience mental health issues and trauma that may affect their educational outcomes. Educators should work closely with the settlement and health sectors to ensure that refugees are receiving holistic support, leading to better integration outcomes.