In recent years there has been an increasing number of youth who identify as homeless. Over 1.2 million of children and youth are homeless and experience educational disruption (NHCE, 2014). They face educational challenges and mental health concerns that are due to inadequate supply basic needs such as food, clothing, mental healthcare and medical services. Many of these youth face dropping out of school due to mobility issues, trauma, poverty and social instability. This proposal discusses the barriers that homeless youth encounter and their struggles as they try to keep up with their harsh environment, as well as their interactions with other members of the society around them. It also highlights the resources that the homeless students require and how to acquire them in order to succeed with excellence in their career paths. This study portrays a better understanding
...of their circumstances, experiences and what it takes for them to strive in school.
Homeless students are highly disadvantaged in their school work, with numerous limitations that hinder their educational activities. The purpose of the research is to identify the barriers faced by the homeless students according to their point of view and the required resources they need to be successful. While considering the homeless, the proposal’s focus will be on the selected students who enrolled in the Latin America Youth Centre’s WISE and Career Academy programs in Washington DC during this academic year 2016. The methods used to conduct this research are participatory action and social justice oriented research methods. The significance of the research proposal is to come up with a theoretical implementation plan that will be effective in making a difference in the lives
of the homeless students in DC.
Analysis of the issue
Beforehand, there is need to identify the ways in which the homeless find themselves in that position. The vast majority of the youth do not become homeless by choice. The majority of the homeless youth have either run away, been kicked out of unstable home environments, abandoned by their families or caregivers, involved with public systems (foster care, juvenile justice and mental health) or have a history of residential instability and disconnection (The National Network for Youth ). This way they have no choice but to make the streets their home.
Homelessness has a devastating impact on the youth’s educational opportunities. Guardianship and residency requirements, delays in transfer of school records, lack of transportation and lack of immunization records limit the homeless youth from enrolling in school. Those who manage to go to school still struggle with regular attendance, where only 77% attend school on regular basis (U.S Department of Education 2004). Some of the homeless students find themselves at logger heads with the teachers and the school administration due to their inconsistency in school attendance.
High mobility is also a big issue since homeless families tend to move frequently while in search for affordable housing or employment, or for safety. Not only does this disrupt their education, but also, homeless students have a had time making friends and social circles because of their “on-the-move” lives. It is difficult to make lasting relationships when you are always up and about, without settling down. It is therefore not unlikely that most homeless youth suffer from depression and anxiety.
While what they need most is a home, homeless students need to stay
in school. School is one of the few stable and secure places in their lives, where they can acquire the skills needed to escape poverty. Most homeless youth who choose to stay in school are fully supported by their families and friends. The society in general encourages them to pursue their dreams because they all understand the importance of education in one’s life.
Every child has a right to education, thus institutions have been set up to aid the homeless youth who seek education. The Latin America Youth Centre (LAYC), WISE provides work and life skill training to the homeless, GED preparation and leadership training (LAYC Program Summary). LAYC’s mission is to “empower a diverse population of youth to achieve successful transition to adulthood, through multi-cultural comprehensive and innovative programs that address youth’s social, academic and career needs. ”
Description of research proposal
The focus of the study is mainly on homeless students aged between 17-24years and who consist of Latinos and African American population. Many homeless youth face dropping out of school, since they are unable to cope with the hectic conditions revolving school and their livelihood. In partnership with the Latin America Youth Centre WISE and Career Academy programs, we hope to increase the number of homeless students enrolling in these institutions and reducing the number of dropouts. Creating awareness on the existence of the educational opportunities and programs in such institutions is the starting point of the proposal. By identifying the reasons prompting homeless youth to drop out of school or choose not to go to school at all, we are able to come up with effective solutions that will be convenient to the youth.
Most
of the homeless students argue that the enrollment process into the schools is lengthy and tiresome, due to the unavailability of the documents required of them. Others are not able to go to school because of family members who are relying on them for help. For some, they have to forego education for casual employment in order to sustain their need as well as their families. A few of the homeless students mentioned that shame discourages them from going to school. They are ashamed of their identity and fear discrimination from their peers in school.
David Johnson (wamu.org, Nov 2012), a homeless student whose name has been changed because he asked his real name not to be used, describes how he struggles to keep up with school work as well as dealing with his mother who is a drug addict as well as his ill father. Worrying about the future has consequently contributed to David’s deteriorating health. He is now thinking about taking up loans in order to pay for housing over spring break. Emotional distress and anxiety is also a common issue that the homeless students face, since they are constantly worrying about their current situation and their uncertain future.
From various studies conducted on the homeless students, it is evident that financial instability plays a huge role in their day to say activities. They seek financial resources to be able to access basic needs such as shelter and food. Poverty degrades their well-being and hinders them from interacting normally with other students in school. This project aims at providing affordable accommodation for the homeless students while at school. By doing this, the students can attend
classes regularly and the transport costs are cut down. We also hope to provide part time jobs where the homeless students can earn some money for their use in day to day activities and for their families, during their free time or over school breaks. This will give them peace of mind and encourage them to stay in school as they nurture their mental growth with knowledge and skills to better their lives. LAYC has a variety of departments that are concerned with the students’ welfare. Homeless students receive assistance when enrolling into the school regarding the documents requirements, making the enrollment process smooth and easy.
Funds for the project will be raised by conducting charity events locally and from donors and well wishers who are interested and willing to support the program. The funds will be used to implement strategies that will see that many homeless students acquire affordable accommodation at LAYC, access to school supplies which include meals and basic learning material, and creation of part time job opportunities for the students. Launching of campaigns that create awareness on the importance of education and the available institutions, to the homeless is also key to encouraging their enrollment in the schools. The homeless students shall be entitled to medical services and guidance and counseling services while in school.
The charity events will be open to receive sponsorship from any institution that will be willing to offer its support. During launching of campaigns, we hope to mobilize the homeless community in DC to pass on useful information concerning educational opportunities in the area around them, also encouraging the youth to go to school and the benefits they
will acquire in the process. By creating such a conducive learning environment in schools, homeless students are able to pursue their education with reduced disruptions and less worries. The number of dropouts will decrease, while more homeless students enroll in school and the school attendance will rise in general.
Conclusion
The implementation of this program will ensure that homeless students will acquire the same free and appropriate education as other youth. By reducing the challenges they face and creating bearable learning conditions for them, they become even more motivated to strive in school to create a better future for them. With the enrollment of more homeless students in schools and success stories from each individual’s life, the number of homeless people living in the streets shall significantly decrease. The cooperation of the homeless students with the learning institutions and the homeless community will go a long way in improving the living standards of the people in the area.
References:
- National Network for Youth NN4Y. Why Do Young People Become Homeless in America.
Retrieved March 17, 2016, from https://www.nn4youth.org/learn/why-homeless/ - Education for homeless children and youth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2016, from www.nationalhomeless.org
- Education of Homeless Children and Youth. (2006, June). Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.colorado.edu/cye/sites/default/files/attached-files/education-homeless_0.pdf
- WAMU 88.5. Retrieved March 18, 2016 from
http://wamu.org/news/morning_edition/12/11/14/homeless_college_students_cope_with_needing_a_home_over_winter_break - National Center for Homeless Education. (2014, September). Education for Homeless Children and Youth Consolidated State Performance Report data. Greensboro, NC: Author. Retrieved from http:// center.serve.org/nche/downloads/datacomp-1011-1213.pdf
- Education of Homeless Children and Youth. (2006, June). Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.colorado.edu/cye/sites/default/files/attached-files/education-homeless_0.pdf
