Relational Implication of Education on Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Zambia: A Case of Mantapala

Abstract

The 2017 Zambia’s Refugee Act (Part IV, no. 41, 42, 43) granted refugees with formal educational qualifications that are legally recognized in the country and have work permits, the right to choose a trade, occupation, or profession. In addition, Mantapala refugee settlement was opened in 2018 as a pilot for refugee livelihood integration. Despite these efforts, most refugees remain economically vulnerable. This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the relational implication of education on socio-economic integration of refugees in Zambia taking the case of Mantapala refugee settlement. A cross-sectional research design, through questionnaires and interviews, was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data at Mantapala. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis were applied to establish significant relationships between variables. Furthermore, the African indigenous theory of ubuntu; which puts emphasis on solidarity and collective responsibility served as a lens through which the analysis provided conclusions and recommendations.