Central Africa Refugee Link

ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR 2006-2007

During the period running from September 2006 to September 2007 (our financial year), Care Link has run four main activities to support its members. They are:

• Floating Support/ General Support
• Saturday Homework Club
• Mental health and
• Parenting

The Aims of this period’s activities were to:

• Empower refugees to be pro-active in their learning and action on local issues affecting them through their participation in Care Link activities to put into practice their achievement.
• Provide a forum for refugee to develop on issues of common concern.
• Offer a more effective platform for the dissemination of refugee perspectives and voices.
• Facilitate smoother integration in the host society
• Support refugee children with their academic assignments

For the period running from September 2006 to September 2007, Care Link action was focused on the refugee integration, especially tackling negative views and actions towards refugees and asylum seekers. Care Link management committee throughout the year held lectures and meetings, social Evening, etc. Individual refugees and asylum seekers spoke about their personal experiences in many venues. The evaluation suggested footpaths have proved success in many parts of the region during this period of the project because of the greater involvement of people from many faiths and many different cultural backgrounds. There were many thought-provoking exhibitions held in churches, markets, community centres and libraries, all promoting the refugee inclusion message. All day events were very popular as usual, focusing on the themes of respect for the country Law, children, anti social behaviour, care for the environment, and HIV/AIDS, which were attended by many local dignitaries. Music, dancing and drama all provided an entertaining way of raising awareness on integration matters.

So many events to include, so little space…