Abstract

This is an exploratory case study that documents Afghan refugees' educational experiences in Peshawar, Pakistan. The central question of this thesis asks: how Afghans educational needs are met through the educational/training institutions available to them? In the absence of theoretical studies on refugee education, this study used a comparative approach in reviewing the literature for general trends and patterns of various refugee experiences. It appears that the educational needs of Afghans refugees are not being met. This is in large part due to the lack of organisation by many governmental, non-governmental and UN organisations working on behalf of these refugees, lack of employment opportunities in Peshawar and lack of trust and collaboration amongst the refugees. Refugee groups are viewed as unique. Yet there exists some common recurrent patterns in all refugee experiences in places of temporary asylum. Unfortunately, the lessons learned from past refugee situations have not been applied here. Fieldworkers and administrators working with refugees in places of temporary asylum need time to reflect and study past refugee experiences before attempting to implement educational programs. It is only through an examination of past refugee movements that we can prepare proper strategies to serve the needs of the next wave of refugees.