Cultural Components of Successful Residential Education Facilities: An Insider Perspective of Educating Communities

The focus of this study is residential education facilities situated in youth villages.

The main aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of a successful residential education facility from insider perspective. I examine the youth village system through the ecological theory, and focuses on learning from successes. This study based on ethnographic research method, that focuses on the participants perspective with the help of in-depth interviews, group interviews, participant observations, and analysis of documents. Through an analysis of the findings, the study proposes a heuristic model that will serve as a learning base.

Three central themes emerged from the participants` data as contributing to the success of the residential facilities: sense of belonging, significant staff, and unique local component.

The findings of this study turned individual educators` tacit personal knowledge into explicit knowledge in the organization. Based on the data, I developed heuristic model, presenting the working methods of the supervisors, principals, and staff that help them to become significant figures and to create a sense of belonging for the students.

This study has a potential theoretical and practical contribution to make. The study and the models developed from the findings provide a central, important basis for those involved in building long-term educational strategies, training, and professional development for principals and staff as well as in developing educational programs. Moreover, learning from successful education facilities may lead to positive change in the educational discourse in this area and may generate optimism and enthusiasm among those involved in this task, which is so important for educating young people at risk and preparing them for independent living.