Children's Rights and the Educational Experience of low German Mennonite Youth in Alberta

• Author / Creator

  Van Beers, Rae Ann S.

• The educational experiences of Low German Mennonite youth are greatly impacted by other aspects of their lives, revealing the importance of studying education in relation to the societal, cultural, educational, and familial contexts in which youth function. This qualitative research attempted to provide a forum for the voices of these youth to be heard. Student interviews and newspaper items provided rich data that spoke to the experiences of this distinct population. Utilizing a critical children’s rights framework for the study allowed for a deeper understanding of the societal complexities as they converged with education. Work, family obligations, other forms of schooling, and the fear of cultural change all appear to have significant influence on the education that Mennonite youth receive in Alberta. Highlighting these factors through the lens of the best interests of the child principle reveals the importance of utilizing children’s perspectives when decisions are made concerning these youth.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Child labour
  • Children's rights
  • Low German Mennonite

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Education

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3W669H54

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.