The educational, social, and emotional impact of COVID19 on Rohingya refugee youth: Implications for educators and policymakers

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the lives of many around the world, particularly refugee and immigrant communities. In the United States, millions of children and youth had to quickly shift from in-person to remote learning, encountering new challenges and uncertainties in their overall educational experiences. This study explored some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational, socialization, and mental and emotional health and wellbeing of Rohingya refugee youth from Myanmar resettled in the United States. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with 15 Rohingya refugees ages 12–17, we found that Rohingya youth’s experiences with COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities. The challenges included unavailability of personal space to conduct school work, difficulties adjusting to online school due to computer literacy levels, and familial responsibilities that often conflicted with their schooling, as well as feelings of boredom and sadness that consequently impacted their emotional and mental health state. Youth also noted opportunities such as spending more time with their parents who were unable to work due to the pandemic as well as feeling helpful in acting as caregivers to their siblings and in working alongside their parents. Implications for policymakers and educators are also discussed.