The Nordic ModelLinking pre-and post arrival Orientation

Pindie StephenSr. Migrant Training OfficerLabour & Facilitated MigrationGeneva -- July 19, 2010

Migrant Training in IOM

Serves over 50,000 migrants annuallyHigh percentage are resettlement casesWorldwide activities in over 40 countriesBeneficiaries include refugees, temporary workers, immigrants, marriage migrants, and family reunification casesDelivered within the wider context of the migration process

Pre-departure OrientationWho benefits?

Governments & CommunitiesReduces overall costsFacilitates integrationReceiving communities are better prepared

RefugeesPrepared for initial resettlement periodManages expectations Addresses fears and concernsDevelops skills and attitudesDispels myths and misperceptions

What is the Nordic Model?

Recognizes the continuumEngages both community and newcomer Makes use of bi-cultural trainersAddresses integration challenges

Bi-cultural Trainersfor NORCO

Value of Bi-cultural Trainers

Cultural & linguistic familiarityCredibilityFirst-hand resettlement experiencePerspectiveEmpathy

Promotes Trust and Confidence

Participatory and Empowering

Addresses Content, Skills, Attitudes

Risk-free Learning Environment

Awareness-Raising

Meetings with receiving MunicipalitiesCommunity ConsultationsEvaluation Seminars

Addressing Integration Challenges

Cultural ProfilesNeeds AssessmentsTraining ReportsCountry ConditionsHistory of Persecution

Adult and Children’s classesPsychosocial TrainingTraining of TrainersLiteracy and Language Training

Refugee Orientation Includes

Adult and Children’s Classes

Children learn and explore

SocializationRespectValuesUnderstandingSharing

Adults are Empowered

Meaningful activitiesRelevantPractical and functional simulationsVariety of learning methods

Psychosocial Component

Literacy and Language Training

Training Methodology

ParticipatoryMeaningfulKnown to unknownSpiral informationDraws on existing strengthsSkills recognitionValues clarification

Supplementary Activities

Refugee Discussion Groups Cultural Exchange ProgramsSettlement Adviser VisitsResettled Refugees as Guest SpeakersPost-Selection BriefingsVideo Conferencing with Settlement ServicesYouth Ambassador ProgramMentoring Programs Letter Exchanges

Conclusion

Successful integration is a process that begins in the country of origin, or asylum, and continues on in the country of reception.

Through increasing both the refugees’ knowledge as well as the receiving community, integration prospects improve and society benefits in the long term.

We don’t see things as they are,we see them as we are.

Anaïs Nin

Thank you!PSTEPHEN@iom.int