Problems Encountered in The Education of Refugees in Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the educational problems of refugee students of Syrian origin. It is a qualitative research designed as a phenomenological study. Phenomenology, a qualitative research method, was the design of choice. The sample group consisted of two administrators, two school counselors, and 11 classroom teachers from a temporary education center in Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the interview method. The data were analyzed using content analysis. According to the research findings, Syrian refugee children face socio-emotional, family, language, and school problems and hate speech, discrimination, isolation, and exclusion. Syrian refugee children should undergo an orientation and preparation program before enrolling in Turkey's public schools. Seminars should be offered to the Turkish population to help them develop empathy for refugees and understand what they are going through. Teachers should be trained in multicultural education.