Building School Belonging for Newcomer S...

The Study of Adolescent Lives after Migration to America (SALaMA) seeks to assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of high school students who have been – or whose parents have been – resettled to the US from the MENA region. QFI partnered with Washington University in St. Louis in and a number of school districts and local refugee resettlement agencies around the US to uncover the true impact of displacement on mental health.  

In this episode, Ilana Seff, Jeremy Aldrich, and Cyril Bennouna discuss what they’ve found and how educators, administrators, and schools can foster a healthy academic and social environment for resettled students. This episode explores the study's origins, key strategies for assisting students and families, and the empowering PhotoVoice project, which amplified students' stories and identities. This research highlights the importance of fostering resilience and inclusivity for resettled communities.

Glossary: 

• Study of Adolescent Lives after Migration to America (SALaMA): SALaMA is a mixed-methods study that is conducted by Washington University in St. Louis and QFI in partnership with a number of school districts and local refugee resettlement agencies around the country. The study deals with the mental health and psychosocial well-being of high school students from families resettled from the MENA region. Its takeaways are aimed at improving the lives of these students in the future, by applying the acquired learnings. Learn more: https://adolescentmigrationstudy.wustl.edu/  
• PhotoVoice: The SALaMA Photovoice program, supported by QFI, empowers adolescents from Arab-majority countries who have resettled in the United States to explore and articulate their identities, heritage, and experiences through photography and personal reflection. As a sponsor of SALaMA Photovoice, QFI believes the program aligns with its mission by offering an innovative approach to promoting learning and using the Arabic language as a key element of embracing one's heritage and identity. 

Contact information

We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at communications@qfi.org.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Qatar Foundation International (QFI).

QFI is an organization committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. Visit our website to learn more, qfi.org.

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