Conference Report: Universities as Sponsors and Tertiary Education Pathways for Refugees Conference
The Universities as Sponsors and Tertiary Education Pathways for Refugees Conference took place in Bologna on 10-11 of March. Organised in partnership with Caritas Italiana/Consorzio Communitas and the University of Bologna, it provided the opportunity for participants engaged in complementary education pathways to exchange and share best practices on different aspects of the existing higher education pathways programmes.
The conference further provided the chance to discuss common advocacy strategies and operational frameworks to expand tertiary education opportunities. Within this framework, it offered participants an opportunity to discuss and reflect on a proposed joint Manifesto.
The conference was attended by over 90 participants from Italy, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, the UK and Canada. They represented a variety of stakeholders ranging from higher education institutions, students associations, refugee students, regional authorities, researchers and civil society.
The conference report starts by outlining the different existing types of education pathways for refugees. Then, it elaborates on the necessary structures in countries of first asylum and the support to be provided in host countries during the studies for a successful programme. Finally, it details how multi-stakeholder engagement can strengthen higher education pathways.
Some key lessons learned include:
Students and student/alumni associations should be at the heart of the programme
Prospective students must be comprehensively prepared through bridging programmes either before their arrival or upon arrival.
Engaging civil society organisations with expertise in integration, refugee protection and special needs is beneficial.
A multi-stakeholder approach is needed for the sustainable growth of higher education programmes for refugees.
(Early) labour market integration must be an integrated part of the programme design.
