The Lawrence House Symposium
On 5 June 2019, the Lawrence House, Scalabrini’s youth and child care centre, hosted a symposium to reflect and share knowledge around the concept of young migrants’ self identity and sense of belonging. Young migrants face great loss and hardship. They have endured the struggle of leaving their home country, often without a choice, and are immersed in an unfamiliar, and possibly unfriendly, place. These circumstances can have negative consequences on a child’s sense of self. The Lawrence House Symposium explored how youth cope and build a sense of belonging. Childrens’ art and stories were showcased and various speakers presented their experience in working with young migrants.
The first speaker, Glenise, discussed her work with migrant children using art to help them deal with loss. She emphasized the therapeutic process of creating something. Children feel like they can express themselves without having to speak. They can recall and recreate positive memories, such as family members, giving them a sense of normalcy. Next up was Dr. Rebecca Walker from the African Centre for Migration and Society. Dr. Walker started a program called “Mwangaza Mamas”, in which young mothers could express themselves through various art forms, such as quilt making, and storytelling. These young mothers face specific challenges in motherhood. Many of them are merely children themselves and hold the responsibility of being a caretaker all by themselves. This group helped them by creating a safe space where they could voice their opinion and tell their stories.
The third speaker was Joanne, a psychologist who works with migrants. She discussed how the trauma these people face, and continue to face, has an effect on their sense of self and their behavior. It is important for them to have someone they can talk to and to listen to their stories. She emphasized the importance of openness, trust, and seeing people who have migrated as a whole person. They are not just the label of a refugee or an asylum seeker. The final presentation was introduced by Watson Moyana from the Adonis Musati Project (AMP). In 2012, AMP developed the Peer Support Group Programme to provide professional psycho-social support for the refugee population. The Youth Peer Support Programme helps young migrants deal with issues in self confidence, communication, and integration. The group provides a support system and safe space for youth to feel that they are not alone in their struggles. Two youth leaders from the programme shared the impact the group had on their lives. Latifa stated she felt her opinions were finally valued, she was able to express herself, and make new connections. Gomez was forced to join the program and did not initially want to participate. However, he found that the group helped him to speak out and establish relationships. He gained self-confidence in doing things he never thought he could do. These youth speakers gave the attendees a deeper look into the impact psycho-social support and community has on a child’s sense of belonging.
After the speakers, the symposium took an interactive turn. Attendees were taught by a Lawrence House youth the art of Capoeira, a martial art that incorporates dance elements. Following this group activity, everyone was asked to get in groups. Participants were asked to reflect on what belonging meant to them. This collective and reflective activity sparked the understanding of the complexity of identity and how difficult it can be for a young person to find a stable self image in the midst of feeling unaccepted in their environment.
The Lawrence House Symposium highlighted the struggles young migrants face in trying to belong in their new community. It can be hard for them to find a strong sense of self when they do not feel accepted or they feel as if they are worth less than others because of their situation. Through art, stories, and activities, attendees were able to understand how important it is for young people to have an outlet where they can express themselves, feel accepted and understood.
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