Our mission is to save lives, reduce suffering and create resilience
Dear Donors and Readers,
Following the exodus of refugees from Afghanistan and Syria due to political conflicts, FOCUS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE EUROPE set up a plan, in partnership with governments of several countries, to support the integration of refugees, namely Ismailis. Besides investing its own funds in this project, FOCUS has made partnerships with the Portuguese Government, which is sponsoring, with European funds, the 18-month Integration Programme that benefits 125 refugees.
Since the last quarter of 2021, 121 Afghan Ismailis have arrived in Portugal, some from refugee camps in Greece under the Portugal-Greece Cooperation Protocol, others evacuated directly from Afghanistan to Lisbon. In addition, FOCUS took responsibility for the transfer to Portugal of four Syrian Ismaili refugees who were in Guinea-Bissau.
All families are now living in apartments rented in Greater Lisbon, furnished and prepared by the Ismaili Institutions. Furthermore, all are registered in Public Health Care Centers and almost all are already enrolled in kindergartens and schools.
As mastering the language of the host country is one of the main tools for a good integration,has organised, with the support of the Portuguese Employment Agency, classes of Portuguese language for basic levels, which are taking place at the Ismaili Centre and at Universidade Nova.
For the integration of the newcomers in the labour market, FOCUS has been working with public and private partners. At this moment, 11 of these newcomers are already working in the Food Industry and Health sector. A further 12 are participating in a skills development programme, which is sponsored by Aidglobal and funded by the EU. Meanwhile, the S. Domingos de Benfica Parish Council is helping the newcomers to prepare CVs and contact companies in the area for possible employment
All this work is only possible thanks to the crucial support of the Portuguese/EU Government, public and private entities and the dedication of Ismaili volunteers from Portugal. Together we change lives. Thank you very much!
