Mentorship in Schools: A Co-Creation Programme That Gives a Voice to Migrant Children

Cátia Moreira de Carvalho (), Danai Garoufallidou and Isabel R. Pinto
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Cátia Moreira de Carvalho: School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
Danai Garoufallidou: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Isabel R. Pinto: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: In the context of a European Union-funded project, a mentorship programme was developed and implemented in a Portuguese school serving as the initial destination for newly arrived migrant children. This initiative arose from a gap in interventions aimed at promoting integration and inclusion of migrant children in this educational context. The programme was designed, following the participatory action research and co-creation approaches, guided by three primary objectives: amplifying the voices of migrant children and youth, empowering their agency and active citizenship, and facilitating their integration in the school. Recognising that integration is a two-way process, the programme engaged established students as mentors and peers of newly arrived migrant children. Over an academic year, collaborative activities were created and implemented in the school in partnership with participating students. These activities aimed to promote integration, foster a pro-diversity environment, and ensure sustainability. The programme’s evaluation included a questionnaire and a focus group involving participating children and teachers responsible for the activities. Findings highlighted the cultivation of values like tolerance, respect, and empathy, with effects extending beyond the school. Moreover, results revealed heightened teacher awareness of the unique needs of migrant children and the importance of incorporating their voices into school activities.

Keywords: children; youth; migrant; refugee; co-creation; participatory action research; integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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