Thrive Refugee Enterprise ’s Post

Livelihood programs in the refugee context are one of the ways to help rebuild the lives of displaced persons including refugees. Entrepreneurship programs place refugees on a path toward self-reliance and economic empowerment and help to restore their dignity. Displacement strips refugees of their dignity. Men and women who were once successful in their countries of origin often find themselves living from hand to mouth and, sometimes being dependent on aid while seeking asylum. By engaging in economic empowerment programs, refugees begin to take back power to make decisions concerning their well-being and that of their households. The article below by my colleagues highlights the work we do at RefugePoint. https://lnkd.in/dC-2TBVm

🌎🚨 Climate & Migration: Unveiling business initiatives to adress refugee crisis - Event Recap   By the end of 2022, a staggering 108.4 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and climate shocks. Of these, 32 million were displaced due to extreme events related to climate change.   This crisis is not a distant threat; it is happening right now. Climate change is already displacing people, and this number is only going to grow as the planet warms.   🤝 Businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing this crisis.   On Jan 23, the S&O team organized a conference in London with the HEC in the UK. We were priviled to have academics François Gemenne, Marieke Huysentruyt and Behishta Nazir, HEC Imagine Fellow and businesses Ben & Jerry's, The Adecco Group who shed light on the complex reality of forced migration and the imperative for businesses to play a positive role in this global challenge.   💡 Here are some ways businesses can make a difference:   ➡ Embrace migration as a source of talent. Refugees bring a wealth of skills and experience to the table. Businesses can tap into this talent pool by providing refugees with opportunities for employment, training, and mentorship. ➡ Support refugee entrepreneurship. Many refugees have the entrepreneurial spirit to start their own businesses. Businesses can support refugee entrepreneurs by providing them with access to capital, markets, and mentorship. ➡ Advocacy for refugee rights. Businesses can use their voice to advocate for policies that protect refugees and promote their integration into society.   We are very grateful for the vibrant testimonials from Jessie Macneil-Brown (she/her) from Ben & Jerry's and Raphaëlle Thirion from The Adecco Group. They gave hope on how bold and brave businesses can engage to help refugees integrate into our communities and contribute to our economies.   With Delphine Mourot - Haxaire, Laura Saint-Lo, Wendy Degrémont, Marie Normant, Deborah Aringoli, Bénédicte Faivre-Tavignot, Laurianne Thoury, Maureen Alma S., Elisabeth de Réals, and Isaline Rohmer. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/es5Zr288   #climatechange #refugees #business #refugeecrisis #responsibility #inclusiveness #sustainability

Today, we shine a light on #WorldRefugeeDay by sharing the achievements we have made so far with The Human Safety Net. In 2023, the world's refugee population increased by 7% to 43.2 million, figures that underscore the urgency of the challenges refugees face and the importance of addressing these issues. The "For Refugees" program, managed by our Foundation and its partner NGOs across Europe, helps refugees flourish as entrepreneurs or receive professional training and services, contributing to their inclusion in their host countries. In 7 years, more than 500 refugee start-ups have been created, leading to almost 1,000 additional jobs. We are proud of our work, but we are aware that much more must be done on this front, and we are committed to doing our part. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/ezSpPZdn #Generali4Sustainability #THSNforRefugees #THSNinaction

The Housing Crisis in Ireland: Missed Opportunities Amidst Refugee Accommodation Payments Recent data from the Department of Integration reveals that hundreds of millions of euros have been paid to private companies for accommodating refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. Major hotel chains, investment groups, and private enterprises have benefited from these funds, with some companies receiving over €20 million in just three months. For instance, Cape Wrath Hotel Ltd, which operates the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, has earned over €36 million since the start of 2023. While providing immediate housing solutions for refugees is critical, the scale of these payments raises an important question: could these funds have been better utilized? The argument is simple: for the hundreds of millions spent on short-term accommodation, Ireland could have built permanent housing. This housing could be added to local council inventories, providing long-term benefits to the community, rather than funneling funds into private companies’ pockets. The temporary nature of hotel accommodations fails to address the underlying issue of Ireland’s housing shortage and exacerbates a system where taxpayers’ money sustains profit-driven businesses instead of solving the root of the problem. The billions spent on accommodation during this refugee crisis highlight a missed opportunity for real, long-term infrastructure development. It’s time to reconsider our approach and invest in solutions that provide value for years to come. #arctosconstructions #socialhousing #auroraaidfoundation

Warwickshire County Council's Migrant Communities Grant Fund 2024/25 has launched with the closing date of Sunday 17 November 2024 at 5pm. The Fund is aimed at community and voluntary sector organisations which support asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant communities. The fund pot of £30,000 is to support small-scale projects across Warwickshire that support the following outcome: People fleeing conflict and persecution can rebuild their lives in Warwickshire, fulfil their aspirations and contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the communities they live in. All projects should be delivered in Warwickshire and focus on the following priorities: - Improve access to services - Reduce loneliness and isolation - Improve physical and/or mental health and wellbeing - Promote equalities and inclusivity https://lnkd.in/ejpsmfjw

It’s 2 AM, and I can’t stop thinking about a conversation I had with a good friend about the narrative surrounding RLOs (Refugee-Led Organizations). I asked him about a great organization doing amazing work in the refugee space and my question was as simple as “Is organization X an RLO?” I might have set him up to say exactly what I expected, and sure enough, he replied, “Hehehe, an RLO? With that kind of money?” What’s interesting about this brief chat is that I couldn’t decide whether to accept the idea that RLOs are bound to reach a certain level and go no further, or whether the issue isn’t that RLOs lack power (measured by how much money they handle), but that the concept of RLOs is still relatively new and we can’t expect them to be on the same level as organizations that have been established for years, with different sets of challenges—challenges that don’t include the realities of forced displacement, where founders often have no assets and, in many cases, no right to own assets even if they could. An RLO faces the same challenges any organization would face, but you have to add the fact that, as refugees in many countries, they can’t own land, have proper identification, move freely outside camps, or even open a bank account, among other barriers. So, was my friend’s response an analysis of the uneven landscape for RLOs? Or have we simply accepted that RLOs can’t move past a certain level? I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that RLOs are organizations led by people with a status they didn’t choose. The key word here is “people.” If people without the experience of forced displacement can achieve great financial success, so can RLOs—or at least, I hope they can. I may or may not live to see the day when RLOs are mentioned in contexts other than just grassroots organizations, but this is a conversation I’m willing to have with policymakers, RLO leaders, the private sector, and all stakeholders and together, we can level the playing field for RLOs, so that perhaps our children—who, unfortunately, where I come from, are born to inherit the refugee status by just having refugee parents—can have a different conversation than the one I had with my friend. We desperately need a paradigm shift.

🌟 Impactful Contributions: My Experience at the Refugee Transit Center in Radauti 🌟 Have you ever considered the profound impact of collective humanitarian efforts? I'm excited to share my journey with the Refugee Transit Center in Radauti, a safe-space for over 16,000 refugees, coordonated under the leadership of Mr. Parasca. 🔹 Comprehensive Support in Times of Need In the midst of adversity, the center has been a cornerstone of hope, offering more than just shelter. It has provided a sense of security and normalcy for those displaced by conflict. My role, though modest, played a part in the essential operations and support services that significantly impacted many lives. A notable mention must go to UNHCR, which generously covered the rent for 36 containers, including toilets and showers, and temporarily took care of food provisions. This support was crucial in ensuring the well-being and dignity of all those sheltered at the center. 🔹 Leadership with a Vision The initiative's success is largely attributed to Mr. Parasca, the emergency camp's head. His effective coordination and unwavering dedication have been pivotal in providing temporary refuge and a glimmer of hope in the darkest times. 🔹 A Journey of Growth and Reflection This endeavor has been more than a professional commitment; it has been a journey of personal growth. Witnessing the resilience of the human spirit and the collective effort to support those in need has been profoundly inspiring. 🔹 Looking to the Future The experiences and connections forged at the Refugee Transit Center will indelibly influence my approach to humanitarian work. While the journey ahead is long, our united efforts can make a significant difference. 📌 Join the Conversation I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the role of community and leadership in crisis situations. How can we further enhance support for such critical initiatives? Share your views below. #HumanitariansAtWork #Leadership #CommunitySupport

A bit of a different post from me. In December I decided to do something new, and pass off a few of my (somewhat useful) Marketing skills to some talented individuals who’ve just completed an introduction to Marketing course in the Kakuma Refugee camp. This isn’t a post to brag about my involvement and volunteerism as it’s the absolute bare minimum I could be doing. To say we have it good in the UK is a complete understatement. Along my mentoring, I came across Alexandre, CEO of [REHORI] REFUGEE AND HOST RESILIENCE INITIATIVE. A Refugee-led organisation and a beacon of hope in the Kakuma Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. Alexandre founded REHORI in 2018 along with many other resilient individuals within Kakuma, driven by a commitment to Protection, Education, and Economic Recovery. REHORI stands as a lifeline for many, providing crucial protection support to the most vulnerable in Kakuma and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. Their endeavours extend beyond immediate relief, emphasising community-led prevention and awareness. REHORI’s Guiding Principles include: Protection: In collaboration with the Danish Refugee Council, REHORI staunchly addresses Gender-Based Violence, understanding the urgency in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Education: In recognising education as a cornerstone of empowerment, REHORI endeavours to create opportunities for refugee children to envision a brighter future. Economic Recovery: REHORI is committed to empowering individuals for self-sustainability, implementing innovative programs to uplift refugees and fortify economic resilience. REHORI's foundation lies in inclusivity, cultural harmony, and global citizenship. Amidst the struggles, they empower the marginalised, celebrate diversity, and cultivate resilience. Their overarching goal is profound – actively contributing to Climate Action, reducing environmental pollution, and empowering communities. Their mission aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For those passionate about making a difference, be it through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, your support is pivotal to REHORI's transformative journey. I’m happy to admit my complete ignorance to a lot of these causes (this will definitely be changing as I work closer with the organisation) so any professionals/organisations/charities that might have a better idea of how we can help please message me directly to discuss the ways we can work together to support REHORI and bring some more awareness and visibility to help them achieve their overarching mission. #REHORI #KakumaRefugeeCamp #KalobeyeiIntegratedSettlement #RefugeeCharity

Join us in watching this powerful video showcasing the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees. Despite challenges, they rise above adversity, rebuilding their lives with an unwavering spirit. This video is a part of a series of videos produced by the Refugee Readiness Team at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. We invite you to listen to these stories of the hosts and landlords of Vancouver Island who shared their experience of hosting and renting to refugees. These videos are a testament to the fact that renting to refugees is a rich and rewarding, experience that brings diversity and togetherness into our community. We extend warm gratitude to those who contributed their stories and allowed us to create these videos. Your experience is incredibly valuable in breaking down housing barriers and encouraging more landlords to consider renting to refugees. By sharing these stories, it is our wish to encourage homeowners to learn about the importance of welcoming refugees into our communities and the positive impact they have. Hope you enjoy these stories as much as we did. Want to learn more about the work we do? Visit: https://lnkd.in/dCKQMzK #refugeeresilience #courage #refugees #communityunity #refugeeswelcome #empowerrefugees #diversityinclusion #welcomingcommunities #landlords #hostingrefugees #rentingtorefugees #refugeestories #buildingtogether #housingforall #refugeesupport #housingequality #homeforrefugees #refugeerights #positiveimpact #icavictoria #breakingbarriers #refugeeawareness #togetherness #inspiringstories #refugeesuccess #buildingbridges

Today is World Refugee Day – and while one day is not enough - it is a day to honor people who’ve been forced to leave their home at the hands of injustice, a day to honor their lives, and experiences. Starting anew is no easy feat and yet millions of people are forced to do so year after year. Living a dignified life requires many crucial pieces – employment being one of them. REDF is deeply inspired by the employment social enterprises (ESEs) we work with that are a part of many refugees’ journey here in the U.S.: Emma's Torch is a nonprofit social enterprise based with a mission to provide culinary arts training to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking, and to empower them to build meaningful careers. Emma’s Torch students participate in a full-time, paid culinary training program and work for their restaurant, cafe, and catering social enterprises. Global Neighborhood offers pathways to employment refugees, providing work through their thrift and vintage store. Refugees receive job training, income, and a community of support. Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) partners with refugee and immigrant women to foster an inclusive, prosperous transition to the US through artisan skills training and micro business development. RAI’s programs meet women where they are, celebrating their talents. The model of flexible, at-home work empowers artisans to overcome barriers to employment such as child care responsibilities, language, and lack of transportation, to earn equitable income, and to achieve economic stability. Check out other ESEs that work with refugees: https://bit.ly/3RDElyp #WorldRefugeeDay #WithRefugees #RefugeeDay