Social work and ecosystem resilience among young migrants at social risk in Spain. Educational research squared (ER2)

Abstract

This article stems from the EU project ‘Learning from the margins’ (LEMA), which examined the circumstances of young people experiencing social exclusion as well as carrying out inclusive socio-educational interventions to address the challenges they faced. The part of the study conducted in Spain focused on young migrants and sought to analyse the ecosystem resilience experienced by participants affiliated with a third-sector organization involved in the project. An Educational Research Squared (ER2) methodology was used which combined social work with an enquiry-based approach. ER2 is a socio-educational intervention for young people, structured around a multimodal approach that integrates environmental, critical, and inclusive dimensions. The enquiry-based approach included lifelines of the young migrants, a young migrants’ focus group, a SWOT analysis for socio-educational professionals, a professionals’ focus group, and analytical diaries of university students volunteering for the project. The results were structured into three categories: Dreams, Barriers, and Support. Despite facing numerous barriers, the young participants continued to seek opportunities to realize their migration aspirations, which became more attainable when suitable support systems were available. The creation of a social fabric and their interaction with people contributed to the development of a resilient ecosystem.