Intersection of Migration And Education Policies: Access to Education for Syrian Children in Turkey


Abstract views: 0 / PDF downloads: 1

Authors

Keywords:

Migration, Refugee Education, Syrian Children, Education in Turkey

Abstract

This study explores the access of Syrian children to education in Turkey within the context of
migration and education policies. Following the Syrian civil war that began in 2011, Turkey has become
host to over 3.6 million Syrian refugees, with children making up a significant portion. The research focuses
on the integration of these children into the Turkish education system, the obstacles they encounter, and the
national and international policy responses addressing these challenges.
Using qualitative document analysis, the study reviews legal regulations, policy documents, academic
literature, and international reports. Key barriers identified include language difficulties, curriculum
incompatibility, socioeconomic disadvantages, psychosocial issues, and experiences of discrimination.
The study emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive education policies. Recommendations include
enhancing Turkish language support, developing adaptable curricula, offering targeted teacher training,
expanding financial support, and increasing access to psychosocial services.
Ensuring education for Syrian children is vital not only for their personal development but also for Turkey’s
broader social cohesion and long-term policy goals. Therefore, the formulation of inclusive and responsive
education policies is imperative in addressing both humanitarian needs and integration efforts.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Şengül BÜYÜKBOYACI, Süleyman Demirel University

Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education, Division of Social Studies Education, Faculty of Education, Isparta, Türkiye

References

Aras, H., & Yasun, M. (2021). Syrian Refugee Children and Education in Turkey: Policy, Practice, and Challenges. International Migration Review, 55(3), 834-860.

Aras, S., & Yasun, N. (2021). Discrimination and Social Integration of Syrian Refugee Students in Turkish Schools. Journal of Educational Studies, 16(3), 113-129.

Bianet. (2021). Economic Challenges of Syrian Refugee Families and Their Impact on Education. Bianet.

Bianet. (2021). Education of Syrian Refugee Children in Turkey: Current Statistics and Challenges. Bianet.

Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge. (2022). Willkommensklassen: Language Integration Programs for Refugee Students in Germany. Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Castles, S., & Miller, M. J. (2013). The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World (5th ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.

Cerna, L. (2019). Refugee Education and the Role of International Law: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Refugee Studies, 32(1), 3-21.

Crul, M., Schneider, J., & Lelie, F. (2019). Refugee Children in Europe: The Integration Experience and Educational Outcomes. Comparative Migration Studies, 7(1), 12-25.

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2023). Conditional Cash Transfer for Education (CCTE) Program: Supporting Syrian Children’s Access to Education. Directorate General of Migration Management, Republic of Turkey.

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2023). Migration Statistics in Turkey: Syrian Refugees and Educational Access. Ministry of Interior, Republic of Turkey.

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2023). Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Demographics and Education Access. Directorate General of Migration Management, Republic of Turkey.

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2023). Social Cohesion Programs: Bridging the Gap Between Turkish and Syrian Students. Directorate General of Migration Management, Republic of Turkey.

Directorate General of Migration Management. (2023). Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Demographics and Education Access. Directorate General of Migration Management, Republic of Turkey.

Dergipark. (2022). The Impact of Preparatory Classes on the Academic Achievement of Syrian Refugee Students. Dergipark.

Dryden-Peterson, S. (2016). Refugee Education: A Global Review of Practices and Policies. Refugee Studies Centre.

Dryden-Peterson, S. (2016). The Educational Experiences of Refugee Students: A Global Perspective. Springer.

Emin, E. (2020). Educational Integration of Syrian Refugee Children in Turkey: Obstacles and Opportunities. Turkish Journal of Education, 29(2), 115-133.

Emin, S. (2020). The Challenges of Refugee Education in Turkey: Language Barriers and Solutions. Journal of Refugee Education, 5(2), 45-59.

Emin, S. (2020). Psychosocial Challenges and Educational Adaptation of Syrian Refugee Children in Turkey. Journal of Refugee Education, 5(3), 67-79.

Evrensel. (2023). Challenges in the Distribution of Financial Aid for Refugees and Its Impact on Education. Evrensel.

Evrensel. (2023). Discrimination and Exclusion of Syrian Refugee Students in Turkish Schools: Challenges and Solutions. Evrensel.

Government of Canada. (2021). English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs for Refugee Children: Supporting Integration into the Canadian Education System. Government of Canada.

ILO. (2022). Combating Child Labor: Projects to Prevent Syrian Children from Entering the Labor Market. International Labour Organization (ILO).

İçduygu, A. (2015). Migration and the Transformation of Turkey’s Social and Economic Landscape. Migration Studies, 4(1), 101-115.

Kirişci, K. (2017). Syrian Refugees and Turkey: Migration and Integration Challenges. The Brookings Institution.

Media4Democracy. (2023). Child Labor and Educational Barriers for Syrian Children in Turkey. Media4Democracy.

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale. (2022). UPE2A: Pedagogical Units for Non-French Speaking Students in France. Ministry of National Education, France.

Ministry of National Education. (2019). Transition of Syrian Refugee Students into Public Schools in Turkey: Challenges and Solutions. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

Ministry of National Education. (2019). Transition from Temporary Education Centers to Public Schools for Syrian Refugees: Education Policy Overview. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

Ministry of National Education. (2022). PICTES: Promoting Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

Ministry of National Education. (2022). Promoting Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System (PICTES): Annual Report. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

Ministry of National Education. (2023). Teacher Training Programs for Refugee Students: Enhancing Classroom Integration. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

Milliyet. (2023). Psychosocial Support for Syrian Refugee Children: Projects in Istanbul and Mersin. Milliyet.

Milliyet. (2023). Turkish Language Support Classes: Improving Academic Performance for Syrian Refugee Students. Milliyet.

MoNE. (2022). Promoting Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System (PICTES): Annual Report. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

MoNE. (2023). Teacher Training Programs for Refugee Students: Enhancing Classroom Integration. Ministry of National Education, Republic of Turkey.

SETA. (2021). Adapting Educational Materials for Syrian Refugee Students: Challenges and Solutions. Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

SETA. (2021). Social Cohesion and Intercultural Exchange Programs: Promoting Integration of Syrian Refugee Students. Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).

UNICEF. (2021). Education for Syrian Children in Turkey: Regional Disparities and Challenges. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

UNICEF. (2021). Education for Refugee Children: Global Perspectives and Local Challenges. UNICEF Global Education Reports.

UNICEF. (2021). Education for Refugee Children in Turkey: Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Integration. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

UNICEF. (2022). Psychosocial Support and Social Cohesion for Syrian Refugee Children: Program Overview. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Yeni Akit. (2023). Language Barriers and Participation of Syrian Students in Turkish Public Schools. Yeni Akit.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-04

How to Cite

BÜYÜKBOYACI, Şengül. (2025). Intersection of Migration And Education Policies: Access to Education for Syrian Children in Turkey. International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches, 9(6), 9–19. Retrieved from https://as-proceeding.com/index.php/ijanser/article/view/2682

Issue

Section

Articles