THE UNIVERSITY AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF REFUGEES. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SOCIAL WORK

Introduction: Southern Europe is the gateway of forced migration to the continent. Most people who arrive are aged between 20 and 40 years old and present educational deficits, thus positioning the University as an agent of change. The study's objective was to understand the role of universities as an instrument of social inclusion for these young people, supported by the figure of the Social Worker. Methodology: A comparative analysis was conducted in two countries in southern Europe (Spain and Italy) based on in-depth interviews with 15 young students, asylum seekers or refugees aged between 20 and 43 years. Results: The results showed that the University strongly supports inclusion, highlighting the Social Worker as a professional of reference. Conclusions: regulated resources and procedures in universities that favor the access of these young people play a key role in their social inclusion.