By Jane Best | Project leader
Refugees have little freedom of movement at the best of times but with the restrictions imposed during the COVID pandemic this has been more difficult. We are proud to note that the impact of previous funding has made a significant impact on how the teams can operate in this time.
Day passes, delivery of materials and access for visitors has meant supplementary activities cannot be pursued but project leaders have made good use of skills and resources available to them to continue the programmes. Alumni have been empowered through the programmes and can share their learning with others.
Participants in the Nairobi job creation programme that received new funding in 2021 have successfully completed some of the training and are starting their new businesses.
One 21-year old beneficiary who enrolled in the catering class, is now making buns and selling to a friend who has a burger business. With the profit she makes, she can cover small family expenses. Another woman of 23 enrolled in the hairdressing class and set up a blow dry and gel service for local clients. As she gained a good reputation, other salons in the area asked her to work with them.
Clients who have participated in the 90-day treatment programme for addiction on the Thai-Myanmar continue to move on to become community workers and they are visiting households in the camp to talk about their experience and how it has changed their lives.
While vaccination take up is slow, the cases of infection from the coronavirus have been relatively low and home visits can proceed.
One family member of a client who had received the 90-day treatment said “We got back peace and rebuilt home sweet home in our family. The treatment center have a lot of benefit for addicted people and also other people who never been use drug, alcohol in their life time.”
Classes on leadership training, care of the environment and legal rights in the Social Development Center for Karenni youth on the Thai-Myanmar border are continuing. While they are not able to leave the camp to do computer training or go on field visits, they are concentrating on environmental issues within the camp and learning from alumni working in the camp.
We are grateful for your support to projects that empower refugees and IDPs to become role models in their communities.
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