Search Marsden awards 2008–2017

Recipient(s): Associate Professor LM Mitchell | PI | The University of Waikato
Dr LL Ang | AI | University College London
Associate Professor PE Atatoa Carr | AI | University of Waikato
Dr AJ Bateman | AI | University of Waikato
Professor M Carr | AI | University of Waikato
Dr LK Rameka | AI | University of Waikato

Public Summary: This project puts children at the centre of research and solutions around refugee resettlement. In 2015, some ten million children worldwide were forced to leave their home countries. Early childhood centres are traditionally for children: can they also help refugee families and children to develop a sense of belonging in a new country? With a focus on developing and trialling constructs of belonging for an Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) context, we aim to investigate how early childhood education can strengthen a sense of bicultural belonging and identity for refugee families in NZ, and also help families sustain a sense of belonging and identity from their home country. Building on preliminary work, this project will investigate constructs and processes of coming to belong through an iterative design process undertaken in participation with children, teachers and families in five early childhood settings. This participatory project will involve ongoing consultation with advisors and an international, cross-organisation collaboration. From a framework of ecological and sociocultural theory, we will develop an evidence-based theoretical model, including exemplars, to advance understanding about social justice and wellbeing for refugee communities in NZ and internationally. Findings will also enhance equitable practice and policies around early education for refugee children that engages whole families.