Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation

Transcription

1 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation IOM Internationale Organisatie voor Migratie IOM International Organization for Migration

2 Migration for the benefit of all Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental partners. With 132 member states, a further 17 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

3 Introduction Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Refugees by definition are unable to return home or remain in the country of first asylum. Often resettlement to a third country is the only practical and durable solution. Through the generosity of resettlement countries and the endeavors of international and non-governmental organizations, resettlement is now seen as a fundamental tool of international protection for refugees. The decision to resettle a refugee is taken when there is no alternative means of guaranteeing their legal or physical security. In light of this, the oft-quoted description of resettlement as a last resort does not mean that there is a hierarchy of solutions and that resettlement is the least valuable or needed among them. For many refugees, resettlement is in fact the best - sometimes the only - alternative. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitates refugee resettlement to the Netherlands at the request of the Dutch government. Through its worldwide network in over 132 countries, IOM is well-placed to provide a range of pre-departure services as well as make arrangements for safe travel to the Netherlands. One important service related to successful resettlement is the cultural orientation training refugees receive prior to their arrival in country of final destination. In IOM s view, this training contributes to refugees successful resettlement by addressing a wide range of issues related to facilitating the integration process. IOM underlines the importance of cultural orientation training as part of a well-managed resettlement process. The training contributes by reducing refugees concerns and overall anxiety while at the same time increasing their chances of successful integration. The host society gains through a decreased need to support the newcomers, while fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect among refugees and the community at large. Through the experiences and personal stories of trainers and refugees in this booklet, IOM hopes to make a positive contribution to European Resettlement programs by promoting humane and orderly migration that benefits migrants and society alike.

4 2 / 3 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Ultimately through managing expectation and addressing the values of the receiving country, the training fosters a greater sense of belonging. This inherently contributes to the smooth integration into the host country. IOM MR O0041

5 Contents Introduction 1 Resettlement to the Netherlands 4 Netherlands Cultural Orientation Project - NLCO 5 Resettlement of Migrants to the Netherlands - NLCO 7 Migrant Training - Focus on smooth integration 8 IOM Migrant Training programme statistics worldwide 9 NLCO website 11 Map - NLCO trainers worldwide 12 Trainers views - May Sandar Win 14 Trainers views - Neera Chaulagai 16 Trainers views - Lina Koussa 18 Trainers views - Timnit Embaye 20 Migrant story: Rujjabu Tugume and Emmanuel Mobonga 22 Migrant story: Farida Hares Faizi 24 Migrant story: Raymond Lutaaya 26 Migrant story: Fathi Hussein Ben Khalifa 28 Conclusion 31 Movements and Facilitated Migration 32 Cover photo: A class conducted in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya for the Somali Bantus.

6 4 / 5 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation The Netherlands Resettlement to the Netherlands Since 1984 the Dutch government has admitted refugees for resettlement to the Netherlands on an annual basis. IOM facilitates the resettlement of refugees through the processing of relevant documentation, performing medical screening and arranging safe, reliable and economical transportation. IOM has facilitated the resettlement of over 3,500 refugees to the Netherlands since The Dutch resettlement process Dutch immigration officials interview groups of refugees on the spot that have been referred by UNCHR. Each year a maximum of four missions visit the countries of asylum and select around 80 to 100 refugees for resettlement. Approximately 100 to 150 refugees a year are allocated for dossier selection. These dossier cases can be emergency (medical) cases, requests for family reunification, as well as cases from countries of asylum that are not addressed during selection missions. It entails refugees whose files are reviewed and accepted but who haven t had any formal face-to-face interview with the Dutch immigration officers. An allocation for dossier resettlement cases within the yearly quota ensures flexibility in accepting cases in need of resettlement. The case is then accepted based upon the dossier compiled by UNHCR. Pre departure training The Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) provides pre-departure cultural orientation for refugees accepted after a selection mission. Staff members of COA travel to the countries of asylum and provide the refugees with four day CO training. However, refugees accepted on a dossier basis did not receive any form of pre departure orientation before the launch of the NLCO project. Due to capacity and logistical reasons it was not possible for COA to address these refugees. As IOM is present in almost all countries of asylum and has worldwide experience with pre departure training, the NLCO project made it possible to also provide CO training to the dossier based cases. During the pre departure CO training refugees receive information about Dutch life and society and their initial period in the Netherlands. The training will assist the refugees in creating a realistic picture of their life in the Netherlands and helps them to manage their expectations.

7 The Netherlands Netherlands Cultural Orientation Project - NLCO The Dutch government recognizes the need for pre-departure cultural orientation as a critical tool to assist and provide the refugees with accurate knowledge of their country of destination and preparation for the adaptation process. Without accurate information, newcomers may have unrealistic expectations about life in the Netherlands and lack the coping skills and cultural sensitivity necessary for a smooth integration. Tailor-made programme IOM s Netherlands cultural orientation (NLCO) project aims at providing a tailor-made pre-departure cultural orientation training to refugees selected on dossier basis. This can be small groups, families or individuals accepted for resettlement to the Netherlands. Before the NLCO project was introduced, dossier cases did not receive any pre-departure cultural orientation training and therefore came to the Netherlands with no formal preparation, and often with unrealistic expectations. The NLCO project is run in close partnership with the Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations As dossier based cases can be resettled from countries throughout the world the NLCO project identified 12 professional IOM CO trainers. The trainers are based in 10 countries of first asylum covering Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea (CKY), Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, the Russian Federation, Syria, Turkey and Thailand. The CO trainers received training about the Dutch CO curriculum during a kick-off meeting in the Netherlands at the start of the project. All necessary information was made available via a new developed secure website which is updated regularly. Basic and extended training In coordination with COA a CO curriculum has been designed. Two types of CO trainings were developed. The reason for the division is based on the fact that certain categories of refugees cannot receive a three-day cultural orientation training due to their health condition or the high security risk of certain emergency cases.

8 6 / 7 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Basic Package The shortened cultural orientation training aims to provide the refugee with written information and images about the Netherlands. This information is provided in their native language. The basic package also includes a social intake in which the trainer gains information about the refugees profile. This information is also shared with the receiving municipality prior to the arrival of the refugees in the Netherlands. Extended Package This type of training consists of three days of cultural orientation training. This training is provided through IOM s qualified CO trainers and also makes use of the NLCO website which contains the CO curriculum, the participants guide for the refugees, the trainer s handbook and other relevant materials. Topics which are addressed during the training include: needs assessment and knowledge of the Netherlands prior to the training; pre-departure document processing and preparing for travel; travel and transit; housing (reception centers to municipality); general facts about the Netherlands; history and political structure; living in Dutch society; education and health care services; rights and obligations; employment and money management; cultural adaptation and saying good-bye. The cultural orientation training assists the refugees to become self-sufficient as soon as possible, while minimizing cultural shock and promoting the smooth integration of refugees into Dutch society. In addition to content and factual information about the Netherlands, the training activities also focus on exploring attitudes and behavioral changes needed for successful integration.

9 the netherlands Resettlement of Migrants to the Netherlands - NLCO For the project year April 2010 to June 2011, the NLCO project has targeted 150 individuals to participate in cultural orientation training prior to their resettlement in the Netherlands. Until February 2011 the NLCO project has assisted a total of 109 migrants who participated in the training and subsequentlyarrived in the Netherlands. The trends and analysis of arrivals to the Netherlands has been depicted through graphs showing a comparison by geographical region, gender and age group. Region Asia 49 44% Africa 34 32% Middle East 25 23% Europe 1 1% Total % Age Above % Below % Total % Gender Female 47 43% Male 62 57% Total %

10 8 / 9 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation IOM worldwide Migrant Training - Focus on smooth integration Anyone moving to a country where cultures, traditions and practices are different from one s own can be expected to undergo a significant period of adjustment. Refugees accepted for resettlement in third countries often come straight out of refugee camps and have little if any knowledge of the societal and economic realities, which await them. IOM s Migrant Training and Integration Unit, based in IOM Headquarters in Geneva, provides technical support to projects aimed at preparing migrants who integrate into receiving countries. This is achieved through the provision of objective and accurate information to various groups of migrants, including resettled refugees. Empowering participants The primary objective of any cultural orientation training is to prepare and empower migrant participants for their initial period of resettlement through creating meaningful learning opportunities. This is achieved through the provision of information, as well as creating opportunities to develop the right kinds of attitudes and skills needed to facilitate integration into the receiving society. IOM s training methodology is one that recognizes an interactive, learner-centered approach while also taking into account different learning styles. Experiential and participatory training are the most effective approaches, focusing on skills and attitudes rather than simply on passing on information. This approach, which requires a great deal of patience and dedication on the part of trainers, is now seen as an integral part of the training - to assist the migrants during periods of transition with compassion and respect, thereby contributing significantly to raising self-esteem and reducing levels of anxiety. Sense of belonging The purpose of the training goes further than simply passing on information. A well-designed tailored orientation can help refugees gain familiarity with cultural practices and get used to different styles of communicating, as well as shifts in roles and ways of thinking. Through well-planned, small group activities, women and youth are encouraged to step forward and become more involved in the learning process while gaining self-confidence in the process. Ultimately through managing expectations and addressing the values of the receiving country, pre-departure training fosters a greater sense of belonging. This inherently contributes to the smooth integration into the receiving society.

11 IOM worldwide IOM Migrant Training programme global statistics* Programmes Caseload Training sites AUSCO - Australian Cultural Orientation Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants: Afghani, Bhutanese, Myanmarese (Rohingyas), Burundian, Congolese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Iranian, Iraqi, Liberian, Palestinian, Rwandan, Sierra Leonean, Somali, Sudanese, Tibetan, Togolese 4 regions, 25 countries Programmes Caseload C Training sites COA - Canadian orientation Abroad Refugees: (Afghan, Bhutanese, Burundian, Colombian, congolese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Iraqi, liberian, Nigerian, Palestinian, Russian, Rwandan, Somali, Sudanese, Tajik, Togolese) Skilled Workers; Family Class; Provincial Nominees; and Investors; (Colombian, Filipino, Iranian, Lebanese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan); Labour Migrants: (Filipinos under the Live-in Caregiver programme) 14 Countries, 8 mobile training centers Programmes Caseload Training sites EUREMA - Intra EU Re-allocation from Malta Refugees bound for France, UK, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia: Eritrean, Iraqi, Liberian, Moroccan, Somali, Sudanese, Sierra Leonian, Ethiopean 14 Countries, 8 mobile training centers Programmes Caseload Training sites FINCO - Finnish Cultural Orientation Refugees: Congolese, Iranian, Iraqi, Somalis, Sri Lankan, Myanmarese 3 Regions, 4 Countries Programmes Caseload Training sites CO France - Cultural Orientation for France Eritrean, Iraqi, Ivorian, Sudanese, Somali, Sri Lankan Jordan, Malta, Syria Programmes Caseload Training sites CO/LT Japan - Cultural Orientation / Language Training for Japan Refugees: Karen (Burmese) Thailand * 2010

12 10 / 11 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Programmes Caseload Training sites NORCO - Norwegian Cuétural Orientation Eritrean, Palestinian, Iraqi, Myanmarese, Bhutanese, Iranian 6 countries Programmes Caseload Training sites UK- ELT/CO - United Kingdom English Language Refugees in UK Gateway Protection Programme Burmese (Rohingya), Congolese, Iraqi 5 countries Programmes Caseload C Training sites USCO - United States Cultural Orientation Afghani, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, congolese, Egyptian, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, kyrgyz, Moldovan, Nepalese, Pakistani, Palestinian, Russian, Somali, Siera Leonean, Sudanese, Ukrainian, Ex- USSR nationals, Uygur, Uzbek 3 regions, 17 countries Programmes Caseload Training sites Pre-departure Orientation for Migrant Recruits bound for Canada Guatemala, Mauritian, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran Guatemala City, Port Louis Programmes Caseload Training sites PDTLM - Pre Departure Training for Labour Migrants in East Africa Kenyan youth bound for Dubai, Qatar, Seychelles Kenya Programmes Caseload Training sites Other: Less than 50 participants Chinese US bound immigrants from Hongkong and Filipino fiancé visa beneficiaries; labour migrants from Libyan construction and IT sector; Ukrainians from Portugal Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Ukraine Total 2010: 40,749 persons (18,493 F, 22,256 M) (45% F, 55% M)

13 The Netherlands NLCO website An innovative element of the NLCO project is the development of a website. This website serves as a long distance information and learning tool for IOM s cultural orientation trainers who are based in various countries all over the world. The website is developed in order to provide trainers with constant up-to-date information which can be accessed at any time, in any place. The website includes the whole curriculum for the basic and extended training. Trainers can go through the curriculum step by step and will find pictures, online available DVD s, exercise suggestions and written information in varied languages for each topic. In addition online evaluation forms are available that enable trainers as well as refugees to give feedback and provide input after the training. Screenshot of the NLCO website showing day 2 of the extended training package. The NLCO website can be found at: Access requires a personal password.

14 12 / 13 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation NLCO trainers world wide Sinan Izci Turkey Lina Koussa Syria Interview: page 16 Rima Jabagi Jordan Alhaji Kamara Guinea Conakry Meheret Telila Ethiopia Patience Lartey Ghana Albert Jackson Davis Ghana Timnit Embaye Kenya Interview: page 17 Abdullahinur Kassim Kenya

15 Sergey Loktionov Russian Federation Neera Chaulagai Nepal Interview: page 15 May Sandar Win Thailand Interview: page 14

16 14 / 15 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Trainers views May Sandar Win Preparing refugees for a new life Country: Thailand Language: English, Tai, Karen, Burmese When I joined IOM as a cultural orientation trainer in 2007 I delivered classes to refugees bound for the United States of America. Later I was assigned to prepare Karen refuges for their resettlement in Ireland. My experience led up to my conducting pre-departure cultural orientation classes for refugees going to the Netherlands. Dutch perspective The opportunity to attend the kick-off train the trainer meeting in The Hague was an eye-opening experience for me. Not only because it was my first time in the Netherlands but it also enabled me to get first-hand experience of what it was like to function in Dutch society. The different perspectives of NLCO trainers on Dutch culture and society provided me with useful information and resources. I was able to use all these experiences, information and photos in my NLCO training for refugees in Thailand destined for the Netherlands. To date I have trained 14 individual participants and six families. The NLCO participants I worked with are of different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, namely Kachin, Karen and Burmese refugees from Myanmar and Hmong refugees from Lao PDR. The former were camp-based residents in Thailand while the latter were urban refugees, surviving in big cities like Bangkok and Lopburi under the protection of UNHCR and with the assistance from the Bangkok Refugee Centre.

17 With open arms The most exciting and touching moment for me was when I saw the photos of a mother receiving her three children at Schiphol Airport with open arms and tears of joy in her eyes. The mother and her children had been separated for more than ten years. At that very moment, the thought that occurred to me was, What a wonderful reunion for this family! and I was very pleased to have assisted these children by providing them with some useful information and skills prior to their resettlement in the Netherlands. The most satisfactory thing about my NLCO training experience is the thought that individuals I work with will soon be starting a new life or having a happy reunification with their families. The countries they go to are in any case safe and everyone is protected by the law, can enjoy equal human rights and children can have access to education.

18 16 / 17 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Trainers views Neera Chaulagai Encourage them to find solutions for themselves Country: Nepal Language: Nepali, Hindi, English In its first year of operation, only one family was referred to IOM Nepal for NLCO training; an Afghan family living in New Delhi, India. Five of the six members of the family attended; one member was elderly and ill and did not attend. Prior to conducting the class, I asked the family what they knew about the Netherlands and what they wanted to know. This proved to be very useful as the mother of the family was a journalist who knew a quite a lot. Asking what they wanted to learn helped to focus the class and made it easier to customize the information for this particular group. For example, though the family had travelled to India by air, they were still nervous about the flight and wanted to discuss their flight to the Netherlands in detail. Appealing examples IOM s cultural orientation team in Nepal believes that people learn best not when they are being lectured to, but when they are given practical examples and are asked to reflect upon what they see and then to find solutions for themselves. Often, such activities require a somewhat larger group in order to generate discussion. But also with a single family some of these activities are indeed possible and so the family was given a number of situations, or problems, and asked to come up with solutions. The Three Glasses of Water activity allowed the family to explore various models of assimilation: would they assimilate completely, like sugar dissolving in water, or isolate themselves like oil and water which fail to mix, or would they take some of the Dutch culture while offering the Dutch some of their culture?

19 The family had many questions to ask and, because the group was so small, I was able to spend my time focusing on their concerns only. Valuable resource The NLCO website is unique amongst all IOM cultural orientation programs. It should certainly be considered a best practice, as it is a valuable resource for the trainer. The website is constantly updated with new information, so the trainer s information is always up to date and authoritative. The website is also useful in the classroom with the students.

20 18 / 19 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Trainers views Lina Koussa Working hard to integrate properly Country: Syria Language: Arabic and English As an NLCO trainer, I trained four Iraqi refugees in Damascus, one in Amman, and eleven Iranian refugees in Beirut. Two cases were about family reunification. Though it was difficult to handle a session with one or two applicants, the sessions were positive: the applicants were active and they clearly wanted to benefit from the sessions. Moving to a new culture Most of the applicants were well educated. All of them expressed their thoughts and feelings in wanting to start a new life in a safe place and learning the Dutch language. They were aware that it is difficult to integrate into Dutch society and they realized that they needed to work hard to integrate from the start. They expressed their vulnerability in moving to a new culture completely different from theirs. Refugees with relatives in the Netherlands seemed more stable and less scared than the others. Also, they knew more about Dutch society. Generally, most applicants were interested in the Dutch culture and most of the questions were about this topic.

21 Cultural Iceberg In order to learn the Dutch language we use the internet for an online Dutch language session; also because I cannot speak Dutch myself. I even started learning the language myself this way. An lranian family I trained was even able to make a simple Dutch conversation. They bought a book to learn Dutch and continued using the internet for that purpose. I was very impressed when I met them. Of the practical exercises the Cultural Iceberg exercise was very effective in dealing with both Iraqi and Iranian applicants. This activity makes them start thinking about behaviour and cultural issues regarding their way of living in the Netherlands. One day when we were doing the Gain and Lost exercise, the applicant broke down; a divorced woman who had a sister in the Netherlands. She was afraid to travel and afraid to leave her mother alone. In the end though, she was strong enough to set herself the target of learning the Dutch language and to start working in order to be self-sufficient within one year.

22 20 / 21 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Trainers views Timnit Embaye The training served them well Country: Kenya Language: Amharic, Kiswahil, Arabic and English I trained a family of four women in Khartoum, Eritrea. It was a great success because I am from the same country and speak the same language and share their same culture. As a result they were able to ask as many questions as possible without reservations, which they would not have done with a trainer from a different country. I think it is a good idea to train dossier cases because African refugees do not know the Netherlands very well and some, like those trained in Khartoum, do not even know that a country by the name of the Netherlands exists. I conducted a second class here in Nairobi consisting of two young Ugandan graduates. It was very effective and they participated well because of their English and academic knowledge. The training went well as planned. Participants were very enthusiastic and eager to learn about their new home. They were very pleased with the information they acquired during the training including the topic Journey to the Netherlands, as they had never travelled by plane.

23 The Ugandan men, Rujjabu and Emmanuel, were very thankful to the Government of the Netherlands and IOM for the training and information they were given. They were happy about the training and it served them well in Netherlands, which they wrote in an to me: Thanks for a good orientation because you gave us a clear picture and things turned out to be easy for us. Very soon we shall be starting our language classes. Thanks Rujjabu I want to thank you for the training you gave us since it really prepared us for life this way. Like you said we didn t have to put our expectations so high and so we were not disappointed. Emmanuel They were open-minded and ready to learn. Given the opportunity I am sure they will make it.

24 22 / 23 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Migrant story Seizing a great opportunity Applicants: Rujjabu Tugume, Emmanuel Mobonga Nationality: Ugandan Family Situation: Single men Country of Asylum: Kakuma Camp Nairobi Kenya Rujjabu and Emmanuel are two young Ugandan men who where living in the Kakuma Camp in Nairobi Kenya. In November 2010 they where given cultural orientation training in order to prepare them for a new future in the Netherlands. Both men are well qualified and graduated in Computer Engineering and Business Administration. They claim they that had to flee their country due to the civil war at the time. Having gone through many hardships they are reluctant to elaborate on the journey that they had to take. Learning the language Having participated in the CO training they had their concerns about gaining employment, learning the langue and integrating into society. I would like to work as a professional film editor as I have worked in this profession before. However I feel that I may have to study first so that it can be easier for me to get a job. I know I will have to work hard and learn quickly, Rajjabu said. Emmanuel: I have been given a great opportunity and I will use it well and be able to continue my education. I would like to someday become an entrepreneur and be able to create job opportunities for many others. IOM visited Rujjabu and Emmanual five months after their arrival in the Netherlands. They started Dutch classes three times a week as they wanted to learn the langue as soon as possible. Rujjabu had just received word that COA and a municipality in Friesland found him accommodation. He was in the process of painting his new home. Having lived in the reception centre for many months I am a bit nervous to leave and start my new life. But I m also excited. Emmanuel hopes to be moving soon as well. He hopes he will have a home close to Amsterdam.

25 Managing expectations Both boys have been in touch with the Dutch Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF). UAF provides support to highly qualified refugees and asylum seekers who plan to study and find employment in the Netherlands. Both Rujjabu and Emmanuel showed their appreciation for IOM. Timnit Embaye, their CO trainer in Kenya, was able to provide them with a good impression of life in the Netherlands and was able to manage their expectations. They felt no culture shock when they arrived as they were well prepared. They are now happy and safe and looking forward to starting their new lives.

26 24 / 25 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Migrant story Prepared for life in a new country Applicant: Farida Hares Faizi Nationality: Afghan Family Situation: Husband, father and four children Country of Asylum: New Delhi, India Farida and her family fled to India from Afghanistan in 2008 and found refuge in New Delhi. Having gone through the UNHCR registration process, they received word that they had been accepted to come to the Netherlands to start a new life. They followed a three day cultural orientation programme in order to prepare them for what would be awaiting them in their new country. Starting a new life Farida, a journalist by profession, was looking forward to starting a new life in order to make a better future for her four children. We would like to go and start a new life there. I hope my children will be able to get a good education. We would be able to work hard in a new country as we are still young, said both Farida and her husband. Farida and her family were familiar with modern appliances and were even able to ride bicycles. Coming from Afghanistan even the cold climate was familiar to them. This gave them a better hope for integrating into the new society. Their four children echoed their parent s words and expressed their hopes for a better education. We would like to study and complete our education and go to university. We would like to be educated women of the world, said Farida s two daughters. Learning Dutch habits IOM visited the family in the COA reception centre in Leersum. COA has provided us with financial assistance to meet our day to day needs. We sometimes go to the supermarket in town, Farida said. Farida even offered stroopwafels, a typical Dutch sweet, which showed they were learning about Dutch society and habits. Farida has worked as a journalist for Free Voice in Afghanistan, an organization which supports the media in developing countries. When trouble broke out this company had to shut down. Farida with her network of contacts heard that there is a branch office of Free Voice in Hilversum in the Netherlands.

27 She has made contact with them and is hopeful that she will be able to start working with them again. Having started Dutch classes in the COA reception centre Farida s husband is enthusiastic to learn Dutch and hopes in the months to come he may be able to start learning about agriculture as he would like to gain employment in this sector. Stimulating integration Three of Farida s children go to school in Utrecht. Farida encourages them to take part in sport and other activities to help them integrate better. The teachers are very nice and teach well and my children are learning more each day, so she said. Farida and her husband said the cultural orientation they received prior to their departure from India gave them a good insight on how life would be in their new country. And they hoped they would be able to make a better future for their children. If they are happy, I m am happy, Farida added with a smile.

28 26 / 27 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Migrant story We were given a second chance Applicant: Raymond Lutaaya (details changed to respect privacy) Nationality: Mauritania Family Situation: Wife and four children Country of Asylum: South Africa Having undergone many hardships Raymond and his family came to South Africa in 2001 and started the UNHCR Registration process. Raymond was a teacher also working in the tourism industry. His wife was a fashion designer as well as a caregiver by profession. Learning about modern life In the summer of 2010 they where accepted to come to the Netherlands. Raymond was anxious to start a new life. I m happy to be going to a safe place where my children can finish their education, he said. Raymond and his family where very happy with the cultural orientation training. This particular training enabled Raymond and his family to be better prepared for the life that awaited them in the Netherlands. Part of the CO programme consists of getting to know modern domestic appliances. The family is familiar with electric and gas stoves, computers, flush toilets and cell phones though they had not yet used a washing machine. Raymond and his family arrived at the COA reception centre in October The three older children go to school in Utrecht where they meet children from different nationalities. They learn Dutch quite quickly. When IOM went to visit them they had learnt Dutch enough to write a small letter thanking IOM for the assistance that was given. A second chance In the meantime the municipality of Utrecht informed them they had found accommodation for Raymond and his family. They were given money by the municipality to buy furniture and other items for their new home. They also received assistance from their church in Leersum. The children are very happy with their new home. They have more space than in the centre. We now feel we are safe and secure stated Raymond s wife. They have a supermarket at a walking distance and the tram and bus transport is very near to their home, which is making life easier for them.

29 When asked what are their plans for the future Raymond responded We first need to learn Dutch, It s very important. In order for me to find employment I need to learn the langue. That is our first priority. Raymond and his wife will soon be attending Dutch classes organized by the municipality.

30 28 / 29 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Migrant story We can be of benefit to Dutch society Applicant: Fathi Hussein Ben Khalifa Nationality: Libyan Family Situation: Married with an older son. (Wife and younger son soon to join) Country of Asylum: Rabat, Morocco Having left Libya twenty years ago Fathi and his family moved to Morocco. Fathi started his own business exporting and importing chemicals and his children were doing well in school. In 2009 the situation for Libyan nationals became difficult in Morocco and Fathi applied for refugee status through UNHCR. Safe future In 2010 he and his eldest son received refugee status. They came to the Netherlands. Fathi felt his family would be safe and benefit from the freedom and democracy that the Netherlands had to offer. It took six months for Fathi to prepare his final documents for travel and sort out his business and take care of his family left behind. He wanted to come and settle things before arranging for his wife and younger son to join them later. In August 2010 Fathi came to the Netherlands. When I saw the smiling IOM officer at Schiphol I sighed with relief; I now felt safe. Fathi and his son were brought to the COA reception centre in Amersfoort. They where provided with a room with basic amenities where they had to share a bathroom and cooking facilities with other migrants. Making a living They immediately began Dutch classes and also contacted the Dutch Foundation for Refugee Students UAF to further advance their language skills. Fathi already spoke a few words of Dutch when IOM visited them in March Having completed his university studies Fathi s son started applying to several companies. He is currently working as a trainee for a computer firm in Hilversum and will soon be working full time.

31 In the meantime Fathi has kept himself busy. Having a business mind and having made contacts over the years, Fathi made new contacts that may help him start up his business soon. I m not sure as to exactly what I will be doing in the future, I need to learn Dutch well but I also need to start exploring new ways for a new business, he said. I am looking for a home for my family and hopefully my wife and son can join us soon. I know I have made the right decision to come here, says Fathi with a smile.

32 30 / 31 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation Migrant training contributes to a dignified and well-prepared migration and facilitates integration in the country of resettlement. Photo: COA

33 NLCO PROJECT Conclusion For more than sixty years, IOM has played a critical role in facilitating resettlement around the world. IOM works closely with governments, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), non-governmental organizations and others. While most resettlement cases are referred to IOM by UNHCR, in some instances, for family reunification cases, The Dutch government refers individuals and families directly to IOM for resettlement. IOM has been providing migrant training since the early 1950s, at the request of governments. IOM s unique advantage is that through its world wide network and global footprint, it is therefore able to provide, on an ad-hoc basis, cultural orientation training to refugees in both urban and camp settings. The aim for all trainers is to prepare migrants prior to departure in order to facilitate a smooth transition and adjustment process. Most IOM trainers come from the same country or region as the migrants they train. They understand the local situation, cultural beliefs and the way of life of the migrants themselves. Often they speak the native language of the refugee and this enables them to transfer information more easily and empower the participants to adapt more rapidly to the demands of their new environment. Governments recognize the need for pre-departure cultural orientation as a critical tool designed to assist and provide the refugees with accurate information and a better understanding of the country of destination. Without accurate information, newcomers may have unrealistic expectations about life in their host country and lack the coping skills and cultural sensitivity often required for a smooth transition and integration into the receiving society. It is not always possible to arrange group selection missions. Since individual refugees selected for resettlement are just as much in need of good preparation as larger groups, IOM quickly found a way to respond to this need by developing tailored NLCO packages (basic and extended) which have proven to be successful. Evaluations and feedback from the migrants and the field have indicated that the refugees appreciated the training offered and found it very useful. For IOM the cultural orientation training is part of the continuum of activities that contribute to a humane and orderly resettlement.

34 32 / 33 Facilitating Integration through Cultural Orientation The Netherlands Movements and Facilitated Migration IOM in The Netherlands assists migrants through Assisted Voluntary Return programmes to return to their countries of origin and to promote a sustainable reintegration. Other programmes include Migration and Development projects that facilitate the temporary return of qualified migrants who reside in The Netherlands to their country of origin to help with the development or reconstruction of that particular country. Thirdly, IOM carries out resettlement activities under the Family reunification programme and the Resettlement to The Netherlands programme. The Movements and Facilitated Migration department of IOM The Netherlands consists of the unit at Schiphol airport which facilitates the operational and logistical aspects for the AVR and M&D programmes, and the Family Reunification and Resettlement to The Netherlands programmes. Resettlement to The Netherlands At the request of the Dutch government IOM has been involved in arranging resettlement to The Netherlands cases since Since then over 3,500 refugees have arrived in The Netherlands through this programme. IOM The Netherlands works closely with IOM missions in countries of departure as well as with other organisations to ensure a humane and orderly resettlement process. Family Reunification IOM has implemented the Family Reunification programme since In the context of this programme IOM assists families whose relatives received approval to join them in the Netherlands. IOM provides similar support as for Resettlement cases, although these are paid for by the migrants themselves. To date, IOM has assisted more than 11,000 persons. Activities at Schiphol IOM s unit at Schiphol Airport arranges and prepares the operational aspects of the AVR programmes and provides airport assistance to the thousands of migrants who are travelling under IOM auspices, whether they are departing from, arriving at or transiting through Amsterdam Airport. Migrants are assisted with check-in and boarding procedures, border-crossing and immigration formalities and luggage and customs procedures.

35 Production IOM The Hague Concept, design and print insandouts communication design print, Maassluis Photography Christophe Calais (cover photo), COA, IOM, Farida Hares Faizi, Fathi Hussein Ben Khalifa, Raymond Lutaaya, Rujjabu Tugume and Emmanuel Mobonga Publisher International Organization for Migration Mission in the Netherlands P.O. Box HT The Hague The Netherlands Tel: E: Ned/0/555 T 2011 IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. Copyright 2011 International Organization for Migration (IOM). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher. The European Refugee Fund and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations made this publication possible. EVF: Ruimte voor Innovatieve Projecten

36 IOM International Organization for Migration