Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

In 2015, in Europe developed the largest refugee crisis since the World War II, with the increase of people who crossed the Mediterranean Sea, seeking protection. It is estimated that half of the refugees and asylum seekers corresponds to children. In order for these minors not to lose opportunities, host countries worked in order to have refugee children access education both into the refugee camps and in public schools. However, not in all cases, they were welcome. The objective of this research is to measure the attitudes of Spanish and Greek students of the fifth grade towards refugee children and to check whether they accept the schooling of the refugee minors. A survey was conducted, in which 188 Spanish and 120 Greek students, from schools in the city of Granada and Alexandroupolis, participated, applying quantitative methods. Results show the students generally accept the schooling of the refugee children in the classes, believe that their arrival can be enriching, and respect refugee´s rights. In conclusion, the vast majority of respondents have a positive attitude towards refugee children.