Integration of Refugee Rights in Teacher Training in Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Lagat, Mercy Chepkirui
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EANSO
Abstract
Kenya has been a host country for refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia, South
Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi for several
decades. In order to fulfil its obligations under international law and protect
refugees, Kenya has formulated policies to incorporate international law into
its domestic legal framework. By examining teachers as agents responsible for
granting rights, this research is grounded on liberalism theory, emphasizing the
significance of individuals as key actors in the grass root domestication of
international refugee law. The study examined the following specific
objectives; the domestication of the right to education for urban refugee
children, the inclusion of refugee rights in teacher training, and the attitudes of
teachers towards refugee learners with a specific focus on Ruiru Sub-County in
Kiambu County. Employing an exploratory research design, the study sought
to explore the position and role of elementary school teachers in the
domestication of refugee rights, aiming to provide fresh perspectives on the
topic. Based on the findings, majority of teachers surveyed lacked the necessary
preparation to meet the context-specific demands of refugee students. The study
also showed that, in contrast to urban schools, where neither the state nor NGOs
offer such training, certain NGOs offer training opportunities for teachers in
camp schools on instructional approaches to handle refugee children. This study
concludes that teachers play a crucial role as role models for their students,
providing support and motivation to help them achieve their educational goals
and cultivate aspirations for a better future. It is important to recognize that
teachers are also catalysts for social change in ensuring the integration of
refugees into the Kenyan society.
Description
Article
Keywords
Refugees, Teachers, Integration, Rights, Training
Citation
Lagat, M. (2023). Integration of Refugee Rights in Teacher Training in Kenya. East African Journal of Education Studies, 6(3), 374-385. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.6.3.1621