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Author
Name Lefor, David
Research field International Development
Career stage doctoral researcher
Home university/institution Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB)
Department/Research unit at home university/institution IEE
Chair/Working group at home institution Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Löwenstein

International activity
Country United Kingdom
Location Greenwich, London
University University of Greenwich
Fund Research School PR.INT
Type of activity conference visit
Period starts 11-06-2025
ends 14-06-2025
Keywords Migration, refugee, education, skills development, livelihoods
Report At The Migration Conference 2025 in London, I presented preliminary findings from my PhD fieldwork on enhancing capabilities for conflict-displaced Burmese youth in Thailand through education and skills development opportunities.

My presentation touched upon the significant contrasts between the opportunities available in a rural border town (Mae Sot) versus an urban centre (Chiang Mai). The findings I shared highlighted the significant challenges youth face in accessing these opportunities, and described the essential role of NGOs and Migrant Learning Centres in providing educational lifelines. A key finding shared was on how access to formal education and employment is critically dependent on legal documentation, language acquisition, and a range of social, environmental, and personal conversion factors. I argued that while youth demonstrate immense resilience, their ability to convert educational opportunities into valued life outcomes (such as dignified employment) is severely constrained by structural barriers. The impact of education and skills development on young people's own capabilities and agency was also explored, while a second round of fieldwork will yield additional supporting data.

Participation in the conference was a great opportunity to share these insights and engage with a global network of migration researchers and practitioners, which helped to foster critical dialogue. I am grateful for the support from the RUB and the PR.INT grant, which made my fieldwork, and conference attendance, possible.
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