Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Education is a salient aspect of the peaceful coexistence of any society that cannot be ignored. This paper examines the role of education in aiding the peaceful coexistence of urban refugees in Uganda. Uganda continues to host refugees fleeing conflict, war and instability from countries in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa. Refugees are given basic assistance in rural settlements. Urban refugees who choose to live in the urban areas amongst the host community do not receive basic assistance except a few on the urban caseload (with security and health problems). The information is drawn from qualitative research data on urban refugees and related literature. Urban refugees face multiple challenges, for instance, inadequate education, health care and language barrier among others. Refugees in Kampala despite the firsthand experience of violent conflict have found ways to peacefully coexist with surrounding communities. Focus is on urban refugee children of Congolese origin who constitute the largest number of refugee living in Kampala. Education has facilitated peaceful coexistence through completing the socialization process, imparting values, attitudes and transforming the behaviour of urban refugee children. Peaceful coexistence happens when people who are distinct from each other in terms of language, ethnicity and culture find ways to accept their differences, live together while resolving conflict non-violently. Education and peaceful coexistence are good factors worth considering when working towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
DOI
10.32727/24.2021.21
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