ATE-Hub in collaboration with other Refugee founders and leaders want to bring this conversation to the table. What ways can aid organizations “donate differently”? Who better understands the story/experience of a refugee better than refugees themselves? Are we really empowering refugees by subjecting them to handouts? All these questions are being answered by the kinds of services RLOs are providing their communities. Microloans, emergency assistance, skill development, orientation and information, COVID-19 safety precautions, culturally appropriate mental health support, and community cohesion are some of the services offered. Aid organizations and donor communities need to leverage the access and connection that RLO’s have with their communities. Through advocacy and inclusion, let us identify ways humanitarian, donor, and aid organizations can engage RLOs to not increase their contribution and impacts in the community but also collaboratively contribute to discussions on localisation or on setting priorities for the refugee response.
Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diPJ9Nat7UE
Speakers:
Emmanuel Ushindi
Dikonzo Akili
Collete Honore
Boniface Balenga