The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Exhibit looks through the lens of newcomer families
Moving to a new country can be challenging, especially for families with young children.
The language barrier, financial struggles, and difficulties making connections are some of the concerns that will be showcased in a public photo exhibit held Saturday at the Emera Oval in Halifax.
Nine newcomer families and six early childhood educators working with the families' children will share their experiences finding and using child and youth programs in Nova Scotia through a series of photos they took between April and September 2021.
It's all part of a research project led by Dr. Jessie-lee Mcisaac, assistant professor and director of the Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre at Mount Saint Vincent University.
“The question that we gave (the families) was pretty simple. Show us what it looks like for you, as a family with young children as you navigate your life,” said Mcisaac in an interview.
The families came back with snapshots of their children going to school, some of the spaces they frequent, and activities — such as colouring rocks — in which the children participate.
The educators took a variety of photos, some of which were meant to reveal what could be barriers for the families.
Each family met with the researchers to talk about the meaning behind the photos, said Mcisaac. The families and childhood educators were also brought together to share their perspectives with one another.
ISSUES INFLUENCING ACCESSIBILITY
The families identified several factors that affected their ability to access programs for their children.
A key factor is the program's awareness of the needs of newcomers and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Language plays an important role, as well. Mcisaac said families faced challenges finding programs and understanding the registration process for recreational activities. They also described situations where language and cultural differences, racism, and bullying led to the isolation and exclusion of the family and children.
Financial barriers such as the cost of some programs and the required equipment made participants feel excluded. Some families also pointed out challenges with transportation as a hurdle that's limiting their access.
On the other hand, friends and family had a positive influence on the participants' experiences, such as providing emotional support, interpretation, and identifying suitable programs for the children.
PANDEMIC BARRIERS
The project was launched before the pandemic but had to be put on hold due to public health restrictions.
The researchers collaborated with ISANS to resurrect the project virtually in March 2021. Discussions with the families and educators were held using Zoom and Microsoft Teams while photos were submitted through a shared drive, text messages, or email.
With the project running during the pandemic, it documented the additional barriers newcomer families endured at the time.
One newcomer family shared a photo showing a glimpse of their child's classroom through a barely open door.
The photo represented how anxious they were to send their children to a childcare centre. COVID-19 regulations meant the family can't come to the classroom and get an idea of where their child spends their time. Families also found it challenging, said Mcisaac, to understand how a program works without having a face-to-face conversation with educators.
PROJECT SHAPED BY FAMILIES
Mcisaac used a photovoice research approach which puts the camera into participants' hands to capture and talk about their concerns. The method provides the families with a platform to advocate for themselves and their children, she said. The research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and supported by ISANS.
An interpreter was always there to help the families, who all spoke Arabic, get their ideas across the language barrier during discussion sessions. Mcisaac said she wanted to make sure no one was left out because they didn't have a strong command of English.
While projects of this nature often end with a gallery to display the results, Mcisaac said it was the families' choice to hold it at the Oval — a place that where they spend hours playing with their children and that is frequented by many people.
Photos at the exhibit will be accompanied by quotes from the participants translated into English.
Mcisaac said she hoped the exhibit will bring about policy changes that make programs inclusive to newcomer families, such as providing materials in other languages, and change the registration system to make it more accessible.
“It's an opportunity to really listen to the experiences of families and educators and it's a call to action.”