Young beneficiaries of protection in Malta : exploring youth transitions

Abstract

Besides the normal transitions that all young people go through (physical, biological, socioemotional and cognitive), young refugees are also transitioning social and cultural divergences. For them to find stability, opportunities and safety, young refugees embark on risky journeys crossing the Mediterranean sea by themselves. In this regard the purpose of this study aims to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of young beneficiaries of protection living in Malta and how they negotiate and understand different pathways of transition. Adopting a qualitative approach, individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were held with six young beneficiaries of protection living in Malta. Whilst highlighting the unique experiences of each individual, the findings suggest that the transition to adulthood of these young refugees is experienced across a number of key thematic areas, namely racism, the Maltese system, family responsibilities, education, negotiation and hopes. The study concludes with recommendations for policy makers and youth work practice.