Refugee children constitute one of the most educationally marginalized populations worldwide. Language acquisition is a cornerstone for their integration, psychosocial well-being, and long-term opportunities, yet conventional humanitarian interventions often fail to provide sustained, high-quality, and culturally relevant language education. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) present new opportunities to deliver personalized, adaptive, and scalable learning experiences. However, the integration of AI into refugee education raises complex challenges concerning cultural inclusivity, ethical responsibility, and learner motivation. This paper addresses the central question: How can AI-powered language learning tools be designed to intrinsically motivate refugee children while respecting their cultural and linguistic diversity? Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), co-design methodologies, and culturally responsive pedagogy, this study synthesizes theoretical insights with case analyses of initiatives such as Ahlan SimSim and Kolibri. The findings suggest that intrinsic motivation is cultivated when AI tools support children’s autonomy, competence, and relatedness while embedding culturally resonant content. The paper argues for participatory co-design with refugee communities, hybrid human–AI facilitation models, and robust ethical safeguards to ensure that AI systems empower rather than marginalize. Ultimately, responsible innovation requires balancing technological potential with socio-cultural sensitivity, offering a framework for equitable AI deployment in refugee education.
Research Article
Open Access