This summer, I’ve been collecting data through a mix of interviews and observations focused on refugee support services in the Czech Republic and Poland. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to interview a representative from the Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU) in Prague. From the outset, the organization demonstrated remarkable openness and a willingness to support my project. I initially contacted them via email, and we quickly arranged an in-person, informal interview. I learned so much from this conversation. One message that struck me was when the representative shared that many refugees, even if the war were to end today, would not return home. The destruction caused by Russian occupation has destroyed many people’s homes, leaving little to return to. This powerful statement highlighted the long-term impact of displacement and the permanence that forced migration can take on a person’s life.
In addition to interviews, I’ve spent time observing the work and environments of NGOs in both Prague and Poland. In Prague, I observed a facility where many people waited patiently to receive legal support or other services. In Poland, my experience was more community-centered. At a local community center, I saw families coming and going, collecting essentials from a free pantry and engaging with each other. The community center offered much more than free essentials, they offered connection.
Interviews and observations offer distinct insights. Interviews allow for stories from individuals’ firsthand experiences. I left my interview with a stronger connection to my community-based interest once it ended. Observations, on the other hand, reveal context, behavior, and interactions that people may not express verbally. I often feel more reflective during observations and more emotionally engaged during interviews.
When I think about “co-constructing knowledge” with the community I’m studying, it means moving beyond simply gathering data. It’s about building relationships, listening actively, and valuing lived experience as equally important as academic insight. Co-construction means the community isn’t just a subject of research, but a partner in shaping understanding. This approach has profound value in addressing community-based issues. In the case of refugee support, it helps ensure that solutions are grounded in real needs, rather than assumptions, and that those affected are part of the conversation about how to move forward.
Since my time here, I have learned that the most pressing challenge for refugees isn’t what I expected. Housing and job security are major challenges for these refugees, but loneliness is the most pressing issue. Many refugees come without their families, don’t understand the language, and have a hard time adapting to new cultures. These NGOs provide a sense of community and mental health support for those in need of it.
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