The Refuge Episode 5: COVID-19: Refugee Families' Challenges and Resilience

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged all of us; however, for many refugee families, social isolation, online learning, and stay-at-home orders compounded challenges they were already facing. At the same time, the resilience of refugee women and youth was apparent as they created opportunities to contribute to their communities.

In this episode of the Refuge, we are joined by Anwar Alhjooj – Program and Intercultural Coordinator at Montreal City Mission, Hala Younis – a 15-year-old Palestinian living in Montreal, Quebec, and Stacey Wilson-Forsberg – Associate Professor in the Human Rights & Human Diversity Program at Wilfrid Laurier University and Director of the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa.

Guests share their personal experiences and research about this challenging time, as well as recommendations for how to better support youth and their families as we recover and move forward together.