“Long term solutions for the self-reliance of Syrian paternally-orphaned institutionalized refugees

Abstract

Financial dependence on institutional and humanitarian aid to make a living is not a durable solution for refugees. To reduce the long-term effect of dependence, an action in fostering self-reliance in refugees is needed. This study explores the phenomenon of the effect of institutionalization on refugees that reside at institutions and their over dependence on the providers. It also examines the institution’s current vision and the implementation of all its components leading to creating a new evidence-based vision for future years. The study was conducted at a Non-Governmental-Organization (NGO) in Gaziantep, Turkey that caters for Syrian paternally orphaned refugees and their mothers. A case study research design was the most appropriate for studying this phenomenon in its natural setting. The purposive sample consisted of different stakeholders: the founder of the institution, a board member, director, educational advisor, activities coordinator, residence supervisor, 20 mothers, and 10 paternally orphaned young adults. The instruments used in the case study were both qualitative and quantitative, whose items were derived from the research questions and the reviewed literature to ensure credibility. Data were collected through observations, semi structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis. A deductive data analysis was implemented for the observations, interviews and documents, using a color-coding system that was based on priori codes from the reviewed literature. Simultaneously, inductive search for additional emerging codes continued throughout the process. Data from the questionnaires were presented as descriptive frequency counts. Using the data set that consisted of different data forms, the findings signify the necessity to redesign the current vision of the NGO, one whose implementation would foster self-reliance by promoting academic and professional development. The findings also indicate the need to create changes in the structures of institutions to reduce the negative impact of long-term institutionalization on the development of their inhabitants. According to a proposed and clear timeframe, the families would prepare themselves to gradually transition to independence while integrating themselves into the community. The findings also show the importance of collaboration between institutionalized refugees, policy makers and international organizations to co-create the needed changes and consequently help in linking temporary aid to development and self-reliance.