The role of non-formal education in the inclusion of children from transnational families in Lithuania

Abstract

The aim of the presentation is to discuss the role and possibilities of non-formal education in the inclusion of children from transnational families. The research idea was inspired by finding of variety of previous researchers, as well, increasing importance of children from transnational families in mass global migration context. Successful child development depends not only on formal education, but also on non-formal education. Non-formal education often plays a significant role in shaping a child’s personality. Children from transnational families often face the challenge of successfully participating in non-formal education activities. A combination of several researches was used to reveal this goal. First, the focus groups with experts from various fields of non-formal education in Lithuania. Second, a qualitative study was conducted with members of Lithuanian transnational families. Empirical data of both surveys collected at the beginning of 2025. In order to comprehensively analyze the experiences of transnational families, both parents and child(ren) of the same family were interviewed. The visual map method was used for conducting interviews, the uniqueness of which is manifested through the opportunity to receive not only verbal, but also non-verbal information, to engage the research participant and to obtain visualizations of the research participants’ descriptions. The conducted research revealed the main challenges faced by transnational families during the provision of non-formal education for children, highlighted the resources used by families, good practices, and possible.