27 March 2009
By enabling the local community to benefit from the library services the RCC wants to create a sense of belonging among the locals as well as help refugees integrate into the local culture. |
The gesture is meant to help
refugees feel safe and welcomed in local communities by fostering positive
inter-community relationships and local integration. At the same time JRS
believes that extending the library services to the local community enables
both the locals and the refugees to know each other better and celebrate
diversity. It will bring the two communities closer together, offering the
opportunity to reduce prejudices and let friendship grow. Thus, refugees can
feel more secure.
Supporting refugee integration
JRS strongly believes that the lack of programmes which enhance the social integration of refugees by reducing language barriers and helping to adjust to cultural differences add to the stress refugees experience when trying to acculturate. Facing these major challenges without support does in some cases even lead to mental illness. Recognising the importance of creating a link with the local community, JRS took initiative. By enabling the local community to benefit from the library services the RCC wants to create a sense of belonging among the locals as well as help refugees integrate into the local culture.
JRS in Ethiopia now plays an active role in supporting refugee integration and in reducing misconceptions of locals towards refugees and asylum seekers. It is still to be seen which impact this approach will have on the long run