Welcome Corps’ Post

happy monday, everyone! 🎉 we're back to recap another powerful session from the Migration Summit 2023! in case you missed it, the summit was an international collaboration by MIT ReACT , Na'amal, and Karam Foundation, uniting thought leaders, activists, and organizations in conversations themed around "co-creating pathways to learning, livelihood, and dignity". this week, we're featuring "three ways to foster education innovation: by, with, and for child refugees", a session exploring: 1️⃣ delivering equitable education to child refugees as a formidable challenge and the urgency of addressing it. 2️⃣ key learnings from community-driven education initiatives. 3️⃣ innovative approaches to collaborative solutions in child refugee education. 🔈 the speakers for this session were: 1️⃣ Angela Solomon MCIPR - senior advisor for innovation, projects and research, Theirworld 2️⃣ Juliette Bonnepart - researchers and advocacy specialist, Opora Foundation 3️⃣ Veronika Skorobogatko - researcher specialist, Opora Foundation 4️⃣ Gideon Seun Olanrewaju - chief executive director, aid for Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) 🔗 you can catch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/gAz_9mMS we're eager to hear your perspectives on innovative approaches to education for child refugees. share your thoughts in the comments below! #MigrationSummit #EducationInnovation #ChildRefugees #EquitableEducation #CollaborativeSolutions #KnowledgeSharing #EmpowermentThroughEducation #SomosLanguages #SomosEducation #SomosTeachers

I always say that the best part of my work is getting to know smart, interesting, and passionate people making an impact in philanthropy, government, advocacy, academia, and other important sectors of our local and national community. I love getting to brainstorm how our organizations can work together for change. But one of the most fun meetings I've ever had was last week: joining my friend Rebecca Carlson's 2nd grade classroom to talk about welcoming new refugee and immigrant neighbors. We discussed some of the challenges that refugees face when they come to the U.S., like learning English, getting a job, and starting a new school, and how welcoming our new neighbors can help them become part of the community and contribute their unique knowledge and skills. 🇺🇲 To be honest, I wasn't sure exactly what to say to a class of 8-year-olds. But today, this stack of "thank you" cards sharing one thing each student learned is actually showing me exactly what's most important. ⭐ - "One thing I learned is that many immigrants are children and families." - "One thing I learned was some refugees can't speak the same language and might not know anything about a new country." -"One thing I learned was that it does not matter where you come from, we all deserve happiness." - "One thing I learned was to be kind to refugees." I am so thankful for the teachers and parents who are teaching the next generation of kids about how to be understanding, kind, welcoming, and generous to our neighbors! And here's our reminder that our movement toward justice and peace can and should include people of all ages! #refugees #immigrants #refugeeswelcomehere #chicago #education #socialjustice

🎉 We're delighted to be launching our ambitious new 2024-27 strategy today! Shaped by our staff, trustees, partners, and the people we work with, it outlines our Jewish values-led vision for a UK where refugees are welcomed, in a society free from racism. Guided by our values of 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, and 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, it overviews four key strategic areas: • 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 as the go-to Jewish organisation, bringing a bold and confident call for a fairer, more welcoming asylum system to the press, politicians and policy makers.   • 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 refugees and asylum seekers, providing significant impact and empowering them to thrive through welcoming, empowering, and volunteer-driven programmes.   • 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 the Jewish community, building a passionate and informed movement through education, volunteering and activism.   • 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 as a financially sustainable, forward thinking and lived-experienced led organisation. 📖 Want to find out more? Read the full document below ⬇️

Week 2: Immigrant Heritage Established in 2014 Federally Proclaimed 2022 What is Immigrant Heritage Month? Commemorated in June, Immigrant Heritage Month Honors the historical, societal, and cultural contributions of immigrants to US History. The fiber of the United States is made of individuals who come from diverse backgrounds around the world. Immigrants have sacrificed to contribute and participate in the American Dream. (I Stand with Immigrants, 2024) What recent changes have occurred? • Rebuilt the US Refugee Admissions Program • Defending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Policy • Extended the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for DACA recipients (US Government, 2024) How do immigrants impact the community? • Increase the labor force • Drive Innovation • Increase Productivity • Attract Foreign Investors (Khan 2023)

🚶♂️ 🎒 What are the good practices, national legislation particularities, obstacles, challenges and training needs with regard to protection of migrant children’s rights across Europe?   📊 In this report https://shorturl.at/hBV45  we have analysed the situation in 6 countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) in order to answear above question. 👩🏫 We designed this "Training Needs Analysis and Good Practices Report" as a useful tool for social workers and professionals working with migrant children and youth.   📝 We developed it along with our partners, a team of international experts, within the SUN project - "Safeguarding Unaccompanied and Separated Children’s Rights through the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFREU)", which is funded by “Citizens, Rights and Values” Program of the European Commission.   🤝 Our SUN project partners: Gruppo Volontarius , Foundation for Access to Rights FAR, Comissió Catalana d' Acció pel Refugi, ARSIS - Association for the Social Support of Youth, Sirius Network, Nidos (Netherlands),

In an outer suburb of Melbourne, a group of mums and young children gather in a community centre to play games, draw and paint, sing and dance. It could be any playgroup anywhere in Australia… but this isn’t just any playgroup. This is an ✨ It Takes a Village ✨ playgroup. It Takes a Village is 54 reasons’ specialist program for children and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds. And this #WorldRefugeeDay and #RefugeeWeek, we want to share why it’s so special. It takes an incredible amount of courage to leave your home because of conflict, disaster or persecution, and deep resilience to rebuild a new life somewhere new. Refugee families face so many challenges when settling in their new countries, from learning new languages to navigating new government systems – creating space to relax and play can feel impossible. That’s why It Takes a Village exists. Around the country, we run weekly sessions for families to learn and connect through play. Early childhood educators—many with refugee backgrounds themselves—offer advice and support for caregivers, referrals to community services, and connections to other families. It Takes a Village plays a big role in helping children feel more comfortable socially, and more confident transitioning to school. And caregivers tell us that being part of the program has improved their mental health and wellbeing and helped them create a positive environment for their families. ❤️ Programs like It Takes a Village are a fun and welcoming way Australia can uphold children’s rights to assistance as refugees, their rights to quality education, and their rights to play. All of which help those children and their families thrive in their new home country. 🌱 Watch this video to learn more about It Takes a Village or head to our website: https://lnkd.in/gndb-Fmg #WithRefugees #RefugeeWeek2024

If you work with refugees and integration tune in on Monday for a virtual forum on "Fostering academic success and well-being for refugee children in Europe" 📅 11 & 12 December ⏲ 14:30 - 16:00 (CET) 🌐 Zoom - Register: https://lnkd.in/dVCJYW3p Through this 2 day forum, we'll exchange insights and share resources, to address the challenges and celebrate the achievements of implementing Successful Educational Actions (SEAs) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for migrant children and their communities. The forum will delve into fostering academic success and well-being for refugee children in Europe through the REFUGE-ED project. The agenda includes discussions on SEAs and MHPSS by experts including Ramon Flecha and Jenn Flemming, Ph.D. Real-life experiences from pilot sites in Ireland, Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden, Greece and Spain will be shared, highlighting perspectives from educators, children, and families. Conversations will explore implementing SEAs and MHPSS across diverse cultural contexts and the importance of continual learning. #mentalhealthmatters #childrenintegration #refugeeeducation #integration

We are deeply committed to engaging with Indigenous communities and fostering understanding and collaboration. Our Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRWG) leads efforts in educational programs, cultural events, and traditional practices that celebrate Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories. We honour the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by ensuring Indigenous voices are central to our work. Our initiatives include: 🔸 Trauma-Informed Child Behavioural Consultation: Providing culturally sensitive support to children. 🔸 Critical Stress Debriefing for Staff: Ensuring our staff are supported. 🔸 Early Intervention Programs: Helping families access the support they need early on. 🔸 Land Acknowledgments and Prayers: Regularly incorporating these practices into our events and meetings to show respect and recognition. 🔸 Incorporating Indigenous Voices: Ensuring Indigenous perspectives are included in our decision-making processes. 🔸 Spirit of Our Youth Program: Offering culturally-based support for Indigenous individuals and families, including smudging ceremonies and circle processes. 🔸 Honouring Diversity and Building Connections: We are dedicated to honouring the rich diversity of First Nations across Canada and strive to build meaningful connections with local Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. Join us in our commitment to reconciliation and building a more inclusive community. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. #CommunityEngagement #IndigenousInitiatives #Reconciliation #WJSCanada #UNDRIP

📈 New Funding Opportunity for Cultural Integration Projects We highlight this initiative supporting displaced Ukrainians. The "CultureHelps / Культура допомагає" program is now accepting applications for projects that facilitate the integration of people forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict in #Ukraine. This grants program is dedicated to cultural organizations working to ease the transition of displaced individuals into new communities within safer regions of Ukraine and Creative Europe countries. The initiative focuses on using culture as a vital tool for #SocialInclusion and #MentalHealth support, incorporating activities such as art therapy, educational projects, and workshops. Key Aspects of the Program: 🎯 Target Group: Displaced families and individuals, especially those experiencing vulnerabilities. 👍 Project Focus: Integration through cultural activities, with a strong emphasis on supporting mental health and fostering community bonds. 💰 Funding: Eligible projects can receive up to €5,000 to implement their initiatives. Cultural organizations that are passionate about making a difference in the lives of displaced Ukrainians are encouraged to apply. For more detailed information and to access the application process, read our article on Solvere website. 👇 #CulturalIntegration #SocialImpact #SupportUkraine #FundingOpportunity #MentalHealthAwareness zusa Mental Health Europe

Last Tuesday, Calais Light made history in Nigel Farage’s political constituency of Clacton, one day before his maiden speech. How? We threw a fabulous dinner party in a beautiful Clacton restaurant on the beachfront & invited 10 local, white Clacton residents, 13 disabled refugees from African & Arab countries to whom we teach English & 7 CL volunteers. It was historic because of the landslide victory Farage won just the week before - which was illustrative of the hostile & racist attitude towards migration & migrants of many voters in that area. A mindset Calais Light challenges & aims to change. So our party was joyful! 😁 🎉🎶🍗🥗🍕🍧🍴 It was designed to be completely non-therapeutic!! It wasn’t service-users & providers - doing good. It was about equality & real social integration. WE PAID FOR EVERYONE. NONE WAS BETTER THAN THE OTHER. Everyone had the same access. All were asked to download & use Google Translate & the white guests made huge efforts to explain every part of the menu to the non English speakers to give them the same level of access & choice to the menu as us. We had 3 profoundly deaf, 2 blind people, & a diabetic - all chose exactly what they fancied. Crucially - both groups were able to see that neither had 3 heads. The conversation was loaded with menu choices, current affairs, hobbies & family - you name it! Introducing a new FORM of party: The Calais Light Getting to Know You Better Community Party. We resist! #changingheartsandminds #levelplayingfield #makinganeffort #openyoureyes #empathy #freedomofchoice #equalitydiversityinclusion