The Interplay of Sustainable Development Goals on Education and Peace: Enhancing Trauma-Informed Approaches in Informal Learning Environments for Displaced and Vulnerable Populations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/healthecosoc.2024.08.02.03Keywords:
peacebuilding, displaced individuals, refugees, education, informal educational framework, trauma-informed care, COPE project, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Abstract
Introduction: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality education) and Goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions), emphasize the critical need for inclusive and equitable education systems that foster peace and justice. In the context of global conflicts, refugee crises and forced displacement, a significant challenge arises in supporting the mental health and educational outcomes of trauma-affected individuals – especially within informal learning environments. Refugees and displaced individuals often experience severe trauma which can hinder their ability to engage in education effectively. This paper examines the interplay of trauma-informed care with informal educational frameworks as a pathway to account for the distinctive needs of these vulnerable learners. Results: Trauma-informed education, which emphasizes safety, trust and emotional support, provides a framework to mitigate the impacts of trauma while fostering resilience and enhancing learning outcomes. Non-formal education settings often serve as primary educational spaces for refugees; however, they frequently lack the necessary resources and training to implement trauma-sensitive practices. The COPE project (Cooperation in Adult Education for Traumatised Learners), which is a European initiative funded under the Erasmus + program, responds to this gap by equipping educators and volunteers with the knowledge, tools and skillset to incorporate trauma-informed practices where applicable. Through developing pedagogical and psychological guidelines, situational simulation-based training and an e-learning platform, COPE aims to create an accessible, scalable model for supporting trauma-affected learners in non-formal educational settings. Conclusion: Integrating trauma-informed care into informal learning environments not only addresses the educational needs of refugees, but also contributes to broader peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts that align with SDGs.
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