The REFUGE-ED Dialogic Co-Creation Process: working with and for REFUGE-ED children and minors

Abstract

A growing body of literature suggests that involving end-users in intervention research, including design, implementation, and evaluation, is associated with numerous positive outcomes. These outcomes include improved intervention efficacy, sustainability, and psychological growth among collaborators. The value of this approach and the recommendation for researchers to embrace co-creation in implementation and policies have also been recognised within the EU Framework of Research Innovation. Furthermore, it has been suggested that this approach may be particularly relevant for working with individuals from marginalised groups, whose voices are often absent from research and policy discussions. However, there has been limited attention given to how co-creation unfolds in practice. In this article, we provide a review of the methodological framework implemented by the H2020 REFUGE-ED (2021–2023), which was conducted in collaboration with migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities. The project implemented the 'REFUGE-ED Dialogic Co-Creation Process (RDCP)' in 46 educational settings across six European countries. Considering the need for evidence-based approaches in education and mental health and psychosocial support practices, we suggest that the RDCP has the potential for sustainability and replicability in diverse contexts.