Insights into social empowerment through peer and mentoring support of young adult refugees in Malta

Abstract

Human migration is, at present, occurring at unprecedented levels and as a result, many countries are struggling to cope. Young adult refugees are one of the largest current migrating cohorts. This study aims to offer insights into the possible empowerment of such people through peer friendship and mentoring support. Typical challenges faced by these young adults are also discussed and these issues are proposed as salient aspects that may seriously hinder integration and the possibility to lead a life with dignity in the host country. Results suggest that working within a youth cohort with access to older mentors can provide the necessary support that will give access to both bonding and bridging social capital. It is this social capital that can then provide the tools to empower the individual.