Executive Summary
What are the key challenges and opportunities for digital education access and inclusion for migrants and refugees in the Netherlands? This policy brief examines the role of digitalization in shaping learning opportunities for these communities, highlighting both barriers and potential solutions. Drawing on discussions from the November 2024 roundtable event Inclusive Participation and Digitalization: Opportunities & Challenges for Migrants and Refugees in the Netherlands, this analysis reflects insights from academia, civil society, and individuals with migrant and refugee backgrounds.
It is part of the broader research initiative “Bursting Bubbles and Building Bridges: Empowering Refugee Women through Inclusive Education and Participatory Research” by Noemi Mena Montes and Lia Kleuksens. Building on these insights, the brief offers targeted recommendations to Dutch national policymakers. It raises critical questions about the adequacy of current policies: Are existing financial and institutional frameworks sufficient to ensure digital inclusion for migrants and refugees? How can national and local authorities improve digital education access while balancing affordability and sustainability? Finally, how can cross-sector collaboration between policymakers, educators, and digital service providers lead to more inclusive and effective learning environments?