Clipper, Lutitia Alexis
(2008)
TRIALS, TRANSITION, AND TRADE OFFS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE ADJUSTMENT EXPERIENCE OF SUDANESE REFUGEES IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
This qualitative study examines the broad acculturation experience of Sudanese refugees and how they perceive that formal, non-formal, and informal education experiences provide pathways for the social, political, and economic influences of their adjustment experience in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It contributes to the literature beyond findings of many refugee studies in the specific examination of Sudanese refugees in a non-gateway metropolitan area, with a focus other than economic or occupational adjustment. The resettlement agency's principal focus has been assisting the refugees at their point of landing through an initial period toward the objective of self-sufficiency in the economic environment of the United States in compliance with the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) stated Resettlement Program guidelines. The success of that resettlement policy is dependent on so many factors beyond the control of the resettlement agencies charged with compliance with the program objectives. Part of the challenge with this study is that there is limited involvement with the refugees after they have met the initial requirements for the fast track to employment, which satisfies the United States Resettlement Program. As is evidenced in this study the refugees' forced migration experiences and pre-migration education experiences are significant factors in their adjustment experience. Another factor highlighted by this study for policy consideration is whether the refugee has some English speaking skills and ability as is supported by past research. The study participants in all cases are literate in the language of their homeland and in almost all cases have some English speaking language skills. Notwithstanding the remarkable resilience of the refugees and the persistence of the resettlement agency staff members and their resettlement program affiliates to reach federal government objectives, this study's findings offer considerations and recommendations for enhanced program effectiveness, notably offering more comprehensive services and providing better linkages to community agencies, especially those providing education.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
30 June 2008 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
5 March 2008 |
| Approval Date: |
30 June 2008 |
| Submission Date: |
24 April 2008 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Administrative and Policy Studies |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
acculturation; adjustment; English language training; immigration; integration policy; refugees; resettlement |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04242008-142033/, etd-04242008-142033 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:42 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:42 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7600 |
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