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"Then The Dream Started To Be More" Singing and music-making with refugee children and unaccompanied minors: insights from research and practice
Date
2023-05-31
Abstract
This report presents a summary of a research project commissioned by the Sing Up Foundation and carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Limerick(UL), Ireland. The research explored singing and music-making with refugee children and unaccompanied minors from the perspectives of those involved in delivering and supporting music programmes. It combined literature review, stakeholder interviews, and stories from the field.
The aim of the research was to enhance our knowledge of the potential benefits of singing for refugee children and unaccompanied minors; identify and share examples of best practice in the field; and make recommendations for further research in this area. Objectives included a review of recent, relevant publications; a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders; sharing stories and vignettes from the field of practice; and disseminating findings and resources.
Cross-referencing data from twenty relevant studies yielded four thematic areas: the challenges faced by refugee children and unaccompanied minors; the role of singing and music in social bonding; overcoming language barriers; and the creation of safe and inclusive musical spaces. Four themes were identified through the analysis of interview transcripts: the importance of the facilitator's role; the importance of the participatory space; recurrent challenges; and areas of impact. These themes also resonated with the shared stories and vignettes from the field.
The report concluded with four recommendations: the provision of appropriate training and resources to support those working with refugee and migrant young people; informed and considered creation of the music space/ workshop; psychological support for facilitators; support and resources for evaluation and research. Three recommendations for further research were noted: the inclusion of children’s voices in more longitudinal research; the development of a user-friendly evaluation framework for organisations; supporting the development of networks and interdisciplinary partnerships for further research, training and capacity building.
Building an evidence base for best practice in music and singing programmes for refugee children and unaccompanied minors is essential to ethical, sustainable and creative delivery. This
report offers insights into current practice, and a springboard into future shared work and research.
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Sustainable Development Goals
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Report
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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/