Ecology for healing and growing in a displaced world: nondirective group encounters for displaced youth

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the importance, power, and significance of relationships and presence in non-directive group encounters for displaced children.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the importance of relationship in not only defining but also transforming “who we are” has been discussed. Then, the conditions that can be growth-promoting were explored.

Findings

Especially, a crucial element of growth-promoting group, i.e. presence, is discussed. The paper is concluded by discussing how these general techniques could be applied in the classroom.

Originality/value

Among the 7.6 million newly displaced people around the world in 2012, 46% of them are aged less than 18 years. This paper proves its importance for professionals working in academia or social work for developing a methodology to engage displaced youth in growth-promoting ways.

Citation

Kazanjian, C. and Choi, S.-J. (2014), "Ecology for healing and growing in a displaced world: nondirective group encounters for displaced youth", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 258-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-04-2014-0017