On Friday, October 25, 2024, the UC San Diego Center for Community Health’s Refugee Health Unit, housed within the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, partnered with the Public Health Institute’s Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health to co-host the Inclusive Education: Improving Academic Success and Promoting Wellness for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugee Students conference. This impactful event was held at UC Davis and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from educational institutions and community organizations. Together, they explored strategies to enhance the academic achievements and overall well-being of refugee students and their families.
From the outset, the conference’s purpose was clear: to provide a dynamic space for educators, community organizations, government agencies, and refugee community members to collaboratively identify and address the unique educational needs of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee students. Over the course of the day, participants engaged in open discussions, sharing insights, challenges, and innovative approaches to supporting newcomer students’ academic success and wellness.
The conference gathered key figures from various organizations and institutions, including leaders from the Public Health Institute, the Center for Community Health, and senior representatives from the California Department of Social Services. Their involvement underscored the significance of this initiative and the shared commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational landscape for refugee students in California.
The conference addressed critical topics through panels, presentations, and discussions designed to enrich the understanding and practices of all participants. The sessions focused on:
- The Current State of Afghan and Ukrainian Refugee School-Aged Children in California – A deep dive into the demographic and socio-emotional needs of students adapting to a new educational system.
- State Support for Refugee Students – Understanding the role of government in empowering refugee students and their families, with a focus on Afghan and Ukrainian communities.
- Mental Health for Refugee Children – Highlighting best practices for addressing the mental health needs of young refugees and fostering resilience.
- Designing Inclusive Educational Programs – Practical strategies for making educational settings more accessible and supportive.
- Collaborative Models for Refugee Support – Showcasing ARSI—S2S and URSI’s impactful collaborations with local education agencies and community-based organizations.
Attendees left with a toolkit of actionable insights designed to deepen their understanding of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee students’ current educational experiences. Also, to discover innovative mental health and academic support methods for these students. The conference helped the participants to create inclusive educational programs that prioritize the needs of newcomer students.
The event featured our team members including Amina Sheik Mohamed, MPH, Director of the Refugee Health Unit at CCH, whose opening address set a powerful tone, emphasizing the transformative potential of inclusive education for refugee students and discussed the high-level progresses and achievements of the Afghan Refugees School Impact/Afghan Youth Mentoring (ARSI/AYM) program being implemented by UCSD. Hashim Wahdatyar, MPS, and Reba Meigs, MPA, further enriched the conversation by sharing insights on effective program implementation of the ARSI/AYM, which were well-received by the attendees.
El guía de ARSI/AYM program played a key role in ensuring participants felt welcomed and appreciated, facilitating a conference breakfast that served as a networking opportunity for all. This gesture fostered an inclusive environment, embodying the program’s mission to support, connect, and inspire stakeholders dedicated to refugee students’ success.
El guía de Inclusive Education: Improving Academic Success and Promoting Wellness for Afghan and Ukrainian Refugee Students Conference marks a significant milestone in both CCH and CIRH missions. By creating a space for partnership and advocacy, this event strengthened the collective resolve to ensure every refugee student in California can thrive academically and personally. With invaluable insights and strengthened networks, attendees are now better equipped to make meaningful strides in advancing inclusive, impactful educational practices for all refugee students.
Stay tuned for more updates on our programs and future events as we continue to work toward a brighter, more inclusive future for refugee students and their families! Click aquí to learn more about our ARSI/AYM program.
