An analysis of the importance of formal education as migrants' livelihood strategy : a case study of Congolese graduates in Durban.

Abstract

The survival of the majority of refugees in their host countries is characterised by poverty resulting from different sets of vulnerabilities. Formal education/training appears to offer the only opportunity for refugees to improve their survival chances. This study examined formal education/training as a livelihood strategy of Congolese refugees who have graduated in different fields of study in South Africa and are currently living in Durban and what have been its outcomes. This study found that, though formal education/training has the potential to improve the livelihood opportunities of Congolese refugees who graduated in South Africa, by increasing their chances of accessing better pay employment and improving their well-being, it still needs to be strengthened through the protection and promotion of refugees’ rights, a change in public attitude towards refugees and the careful selection of fields of study. In order for formal education/training to effect sustainable positive changes in the lives of respondents, there is also a need to formulate and implement supportive policies and legislations with the view to address specific livelihood challenges pointed out in this study.