Teaching materials ages 15-18
© UNHCR
Activities in this age range are focused on developing critical thinking skills in students. An array of facts and figures from neutral sources are provided to increase understanding of the topic of refugees, asylum and migration.
Students are encouraged to undertake activities to embed their knowledge into their daily experiences, asking them to think about how their lives connect with the lives of asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and stateless persons in their communities and globally.
Group and individual work is encouraged along the way to foster a sense of academic independence with check-ins by teachers.
Click on the links to download the teaching materials.
Activity guide for 15 – 18 year old (download)
Words matter
Understanding refugees, migration and asylum begins with understanding a few basics. The word "refugee" is often used as a blanket term for people displaced by war, violence or persecution. But there are different categories of displaced people, each with specific needs.
You can watch these explainer animations as a preparation for your lesson. Choose which sections you need and download them as you like to compose your own instructional package.
Facts and figures about refugees
Finding the right facts and figures about refugees and migrants can be a challenge. There is a plethora of information available from thousands of sources. However, the information provided is not always reliable, complete or up-to-date.
In the facts and figures section of this website, you can find a set of downloads and media materials on refugees containing basic facts and figures you may need to prepare for your lessons. These materials are suitable for pupils ages 15-18.
Choose which sections you need in your classroom and download them as you like to compose your own instructional package.
Go to the Facts and Figures page
Video exercise
Omar's story
Omar is seventeen. His father Ziad and his mother Maha and his three brothers and two sisters fled Syria to Jordan, where they lived as refugees for e few years. Omar recalls how he and his father had to do all kinds of work just to survive. The family was eventually resettled to Luxembourg. Omar now goes to school like any other 17 year old. He is passionate about fitness and documenting his surroundings with his own camera.
Omar's story
Related materials
- Download the video (English)
- Use the lesson plan for exercises and class activities based on the video