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Intersections of Peace: Refugee Children’s Unique Perspectives Through Storytelling and Arts-Based Methods

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  • Sarra Boukhari

    (British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at Swansea University, Swansea University)

Abstract

Refugee children in this article offer a profoundly distinctive viewpoint, perceiving the world with a nuanced introspection. Young refugee participants from sub-Saharan backgrounds engaged in a series of storytelling workshops to explore their integration processes in Algeria. The constructed narratives, which were looked at through a qualitative lens, provided a unique perspective on the meaning of peace. Employing arts-based methods, the young storytellers draw upon a broader understanding of refugee realities lived in a host country, offering deep insights into the brutal conditions of their displacement journeys, human rights, and social justice. This article aims to celebrate the uniqueness of refugee children’s narratives and lived experiences while foregrounding their voices and perceptions. By doing so, it enriches the narrative beyond established paradigms in both host societies’ assumptions and the existing research on refugees and migration literature. The findings underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by refugee children, highlighting the transformative role of storytelling in shaping policies that are informed by their own lived experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarra Boukhari, 2025. "Intersections of Peace: Refugee Children’s Unique Perspectives Through Storytelling and Arts-Based Methods," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 1037-1063, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:26:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s12134-025-01236-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-025-01236-2
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    1. Roger A. Hart, 1992. "Children's Participation: From tokenism to citizenship," Papers inness92/6, Innocenti Essay.
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