VFST Schools Support Program 2007 - 2017

Many children and young people who arrive in Australia under the refugee and humanitarian program have not been able to attend school or may have had disruptions to their schooling. In addition to developing knowledge and... [ view full abstract ]

Many children and young people who arrive in Australia under the refugee and humanitarian program have not been able to attend school or may have had disruptions to their schooling. In addition to developing knowledge and understandings of formal schooling in Australia and learning a new language, students of refugee background have suffered severe emotional and physical deprivations. The impact of trauma in the context of learning is difficult for students and their families. It is also presents gaps in knowledge, understanding and readiness for teachers and the broader education system as they receive students and families from refugee backgrounds as part of the school community.

The VFST has a long history of working in partnership with schools to build their capacity to support the education and wellbeing needs of refugee background students, their families and communities.

Since 2007 Foundation House has been funded by the Department of Education and Training to provide a Schools Support Program across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Based on a whole-school approach the Program has worked in partnership with over 190 schools. This presentation will outline key tools and change processes that have contributed to significant development and partnership work with the education sector in Victoria. This presentation will highlight the importance of this work in advocating for social inclusion for students and families from refugee backgrounds and change processes that are relevant and possible in other contexts.