Integration of Returnee Children in Kazakhstani Schools

Abstract

This research is devoted to exploring the adaptation experience of returnee children in Kazakhstani schools. Upon arrival, returnee children who have not been exposed to Kazakh culture encounter social and psychological challenges. Because of the absence of educational policies for migrant children, the Kazakhstani education system fails to meet the needs of returnee children as they are required to enroll into mainstream schools. Relying on the empirical evidence and literature on the integration of returnee children, this study attempts to understand the challenges returnee children face in Kazakhstani schools and how these children cope with the alleged challenges. In the course of the study, returnee children reported language, Kazakhstani education system and teacher attitudes to be the major challenges they have faced. One solution to this problem would be a reconsideration of the existing educational program in Kazakhstan on inclusive education which targets only disabled children. Kazakhstani policy makers should consider widening the scope of its meaning including culturally disadvantaged returnee children in its agenda.