Rodgers, Mwansa (2021) Relational Implication of Education on Socio-economic Integration of Refugees in Zambia: A Case of Mantapala. Masters thesis, Hekima University College.
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Abstract
Despite many efforts undertaken by governments, non-governmental organisations and international organisations such as the United Nations (UN) to uplift the lives of refugees, socio-economic vulnerability and integration of refugees remain a challenge in many host countries. Zambia, being a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the status of refugees, its 1967 Protocol and adhering to the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), set up Mantapala refugee settlement in order to allow refugees to co-exist with the local population, giving them an opportunity to engage in gainful economic activities such as employment, business and agriculture. Moreover, the 2017 Refugee Act (Part IV, no. 41, 42, 43) granted refugees with formal educational qualifications that are legally recognized in the country and have work permit, the right to choose a trade, occupation or profession. Bearing that in mind, this study aimed at assessing the relational implication of education on socio-economic integration of refugees in Mantapala refugee settlement of Zambia. The study investigated categories of levels of education among refugees, their economic activities, employment opportunities and challenges behind educated refugees’ access to employment. In doing so, the researcher used a cross-sectional research design. By using questionnaires and interviews, quantitative and qualitative data was obtained and analysed by the use of SPSS and thematic analysis that in turn helped to establish significant relationship between the variables that were under investigation. In addition, the African indigenous philosophical theory of ubuntu; which puts emphasis on solidarity, relationship, collective responsibility, and inclusivity, served as a lens through which the analysis and recommendations for policy formulation and implementation were viewed. The results of the research revealed that, while education played an important role to improving socioeconomic integration of refugees in Zambia, several factors hampered this process. They included expensive fees to obtaining work permits and certifying educational qualifications, limited employment opportunities in the refugee settlement, lack of proper documents among refugees and indeed, lack of trust for refugees in the labour market. It is therefore recommended that, to speed up socio-economic integration of refugees, particularly those with formal education, there is need to reignite the African values of solidarity, collective responsibility and reduce fees for the acquisition of work permits and validation of foreign certificates for refugees. The researcher further proposes the importance of employment based on meritocracy. At the same time, he emphasises the significance of embracing technology through the use of Digital Educational Qualifications Data Space (DEQDS) and enhancing research on African indigenous insights in addressing current challenges such as the refugee crisis.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare L Education > L Education (General) |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Geoffrey Obatsa |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Dec 2021 08:39 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Dec 2021 08:39 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/9675 |
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