When you are forced to uproot your life without warning you develop creative techniques for survival; this is no different for refugee-background youth fleeing their homes who deliberately seek several coping strategies to facilitate positive acculturation and psychological wellbeing to make their resettlement experiences in high-income countries successful. The purpose of the presentation is to highlight the coping mechanisms strategically employed by young refugees eager to improve their lives for a brighter future.

Presently, the world watches as Ukrainians forcefully flee their homes to seek refuge in neighboring European and non-European countries due to the current turmoil between the country and Russia. There is currently a record high of 27.1 million refugees displaced globally (UNHCR 2021). Young migrants from refugee backgrounds are amongst the world’s most vulnerable populations and at higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Despite their tribulations, refugee-background youth have been found to overcome their mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression; hence the importance of exploring the coping mechanisms and resources that help this population group successfully resettle in high-income countries.

Evidence shows that acculturative stress is prevalent amongst new arrivals resettling in a new society, and refugee-background youth are at a greater risk. Gender can influence how well an immigrant adapts, experiences resettlement, and mental health. Challenges faced by young refugees include adapting to new societal norms, barriers to pursuing further studies, and discrimination amongst peers and in society at large. Despite their adversities, refugee-background youth focus on facilitating factors and develop positive coping mechanisms for success.

“We are faced with a world where our youth are feeling disconnected.”

“Our education system has hardly changed since the industrial revolution, our mental health industry and prison systems often create more trauma and knowledge of self is hardly taught to anyone throughout one’s education and lifelong journey.”

“As a teacher, I know how imperative it is for young people to be given the tools to aid in their mental development, but it has to be done right.
Unfortunately, this scares a lot of educators as it wasn’t taught to us as teachers. Our teachers and universities are still endured in the same system that is not aiding and teaching self-development.

We have not been brave enough to leap forward with innovation and challenge the status quo.“

How do we utilise our youth’s culture in order to teach real knowledge of
self? For youth to be equipped with the tools they need to not just cope
but to follow their passion and purpose with the tools they need to not
just survive but to thrive?

We meet youth on their level, using their chosen mediums, speaking to their interests and passions. MPOWER is different from any other program because it utilises our youth’s culture within a highly creative platform, inspiring them to take charge of their lives.

MPOWER is a revolutionary online personal empowerment tool-kit for anyone struggling with their mental health or looking for inspiration in life.
Established by One Vision Productions director Mark Robertson, alongside a host of high profile Program Ambassadors including Chris Hemsworth, Eso (Bliss n Eso), Damon Gameau, and 2020 Indigenous artist of
the year, Baker Boy, MPOWER offers a comprehensive tool-kit covering the key fundamentals of youth mental wellbeing.

Teaming up with global producers and award winning documentary makers, we aim to transform lives through high-value digital content. Learn ancient wisdom, mind mastery techniques, about the power of your mind,
the freedom of forgiveness, the path to self-actualisation and how to live your creative potential.

Covering the fundamentals for mental wellbeing in the most innovative way possible, MPOWER gives you the tools to not just survive a crisis but thrive through the toughest of times.

MPOWER’s transformative online tutorials are accessible to individuals, schools, students, teachers, parents, individuals, social workers, youth centres and remote communities through tailored online platforms including MPOWER TV, MPOWER Classroom and the soon to be launched MPOWER Interactive App.