I’ve written numerous times on this blog about the value refugees can bring to their adopted homes, but these benefits are by no means guaranteed. This was highlighted by research from the University of South Australia, which shows how communities need adequate resources to help refugees successfully integrate.

The paper highlights how rural communities, and particularly rural schools, are often vital for supporting refugee students and their families. Unfortunately, these communities are often racialized and unfamiliar with the diverse needs of the students.

Rural settlement

The practice of settling refugees into rural areas is common across Australia, but without adequate support, it’s an approach that is unlikely to prove effective for either the refugees or their host community.

“In Australia and around the world, refugee resettlement policy favors a ‘dispersal’ approach, where refugees are settled into rural and regional locations as a means of extending populations from metropolitan centers and rejuvenating rural locations,” the author explains.

“Rural schools are on the front line of resettling refugees, yet many schools feel under-supported and uncertain about how best to help. So, while current policies are dispersing refugees across rural areas, they’re not accounting for, nor proving appropriate support to schools, services, and communities.”

Without the appropriate support, children and families can struggle to integrate, especially if attitudes in their host community are opposed to their presence.

Meaningful change

The researcher believes that for meaningful change to occur, policymakers need to do more to understand the nuances of rural communities so that they can be better supported in welcoming refugees.

“Understanding the unique needs and strengths of refugee-background students and their families is central to enabling schools to support these new populations,” they conclude.

“Unless communities are properly educated and aware of the benefits of diversity and the plight of refugees, we will continue to deliver sub-optimal services.

“Appropriate resourcing for rural schools is a starting point, but training and opportunities for intercultural learning and engagement must also occur within communities if we are really to deliver change.”