Flexport’s Post

Refugees are making eyeglasses for fellow refugees! Global Vison 2020 (GV2020) is a partner with the IAPB, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. https://gv2020.org The world’s largest unmet disability is poor vision. In many developing nations, there can be as few as one optometrist for every 1 million people. This makes it difficult to screen and provide eyeglasses for those who need them to live healthy, productive lives. 1.1 billion people live with vision loss and 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. The MISSION of Global Vision 2020 is to empower people in developing countries to improve their own lives through access to eyeglasses. Greg Wiens is GV2020's Faith-based Outreach Coordinator and Lead Pastor of Westwood Community Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Greg mentioned three countries in his report: Zambia, Congo, and Turkey. I have added the United States and Canada for comparison. IAPB has collected key national indicator data on an annual basis since 2008. Research on the IAPB website yields the following statistics. https://lnkd.in/eGKTvg2H USA - 112.4 Optometrists per million Canada - 143.1 Optometrists per million Zambia - 3.4 Optometrists per million Congo - 0.2 Optometrists per million Turkey - no data available Click the link below to read these interesting stories. https://lnkd.in/eCw26uqb

🌍 Looking back at the #GRF2023: Here’s our take 2023 Pledges The Government of Kenya just submitted seven pledges at the concluded GRF 2023. One highlight is the costed Education and Training Strategy, a framework for data-driven progress reporting, addressing gaps from the 2019 report. Other pledges tackle Statelessness eradication, the Shirika Plan, improved registration, quality healthcare, and refugee inclusion in CIDPs and socio-protection systems. At GRF, multi-stakeholder pledges echo international solidarity, root cause solutions, and resilient collaboration. As a research organisation based in Kenya, In 2024, Samuel Hall's is laser-focused on:🎯 -Decolonising migration research and ensuring the voices of refugees are included in tracking achievements - Localising responses, by building on the area-based and municipal approaches to refugee inclusion, and working with Refugee-led organisations across the region. To gain more insights into the impact of localisation efforts read these two stories from Refugee Led Organisations (RLOs): ➡https://lnkd.in/dt9YkEdP ➡https://lnkd.in/dzyntwXx

Let #2024 be the year where we focus on building trust and fostering hope within migrant and #refugee #communities. Let's work towards providing them with goal them with opportunities to seamlessly integrate into society without constantly being labeled as "refugees," "#asylees," or "#migrants." Let's aim for them to have the chance to work hard, earn a living, and break free from the cycle of dependence on #aid. Avail them a chance to pursue happiness. Let 2024 be the beginning of #hope among refugees. That someday they too can wake up without fearing for their lives or worrying about where their next meal will come from. They shouldn't have to repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences, forced to share their stories for sympathy just to obtain the help they need. It's time to shift the narrative and #empower refugees to choose how they share their stories and with whom. In 2024, let's prioritize supporting self-help #organizations and community-based groups within refugee settings, typically led by the refugees themselves. Unlike larger organizations with #bureaucratic processes and substantial expenditures, these local organizations tailor their services to specific groups and settings, addressing particular challenges effectively and efficiently. In essence, let 2024 be the year when refugees regain control over their narratives and lives. Let's empower those on the ground—local organizations rooted in the community—rather than relying solely on large, bureaucratic entities.

Digital Inclusion for Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons   Calling all advocates for social impact!   Over 110 million people are currently displaced globally due to conflict and human rights violations. This ever-changing situation creates significant social and economic challenges.   The good news? Emerging technologies can be harnessed to empower displaced populations and host communities.   Join us on 15 May 2024, at 10am CEST, for an open webinar organised in the framework of the 4th edition of the course on Access to Decent Work for Refugees and Other Forcibly Displaced Persons.   Get an exclusive glimpse into how ITCILO trainings are run, and at the same time explore a relevant and timely topic and its impact on forcibly displaced persons across the globe.   This open session will explore: ·        Creative solutions for using tech to facilitate access to decent work. ·        An exclusive look at ITCILO's training programs for refugees. ·        The impact of digital inclusion on forcibly displaced persons. Open to everyone! Register now. https://lnkd.in/dQiTie8k   #DigitalInclusion #Refugees #ForcedDisplacement #DecentWork #ITCILO #ILO #UNHCR   P.S. Share this post with anyone in your network who cares about social justice and empowering refugees! Miriam Boudraa Michela Albertazzi Marion Christophe

Empowering Refugee Voices: Nurturing Inclusive Engagement In a world striving for inclusivity, let's spotlight the invaluable contributions of refugees towards building resilient communities. Fostering Meaningful Participation: It's not just about providing opportunities; it's about creating spaces where the voices of refugees are heard, valued, and integrated into decision-making processes. Unlocking Untapped Potential: By investing in education and skills development for refugees, we tap into a wellspring of diverse talents. Meaningful participation is a reciprocal journey—empowering refugees not only benefits them but enriches societies with fresh ideas, creativity, and innovation. Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Shift the narrative from perceiving refugees as a burden to recognizing them as contributors. Collaborative efforts between businesses, governments, and communities can create opportunities for refugees to engage in meaningful work, fostering a sense of belonging and integration. Showcasing Change Initiatives: Highlight successful initiatives promoting refugee meaningful participation. Share stories of organizations, businesses, or projects that champion inclusivity, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to positive social impact. Amplifying Voices: Encourage open dialogue and platforms for refugees to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Create a space where their narratives inspire and educate, fostering empathy and understanding globally. Unity in Diversity: Meaningful participation is a cornerstone of a harmonious and interconnected world. Embracing diversity creates stronger, more resilient societies that reflect the richness of human experience. Share, Engage, Empower: Join the conversation by sharing thoughts, stories, or initiatives promoting refugee meaningful participation. Let's build a world where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive. #Refugees #Inclusion #MeaningfulParticipation #Empowerment #GlobalUnity #DiversityMatters #HumanRights #CommunityBuilding  

Sincere thanks to our host, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, for consultations this week in #Geneva on our joint work to mobilize private investment and private sector-led solutions to improve conditions and opportunities for forcibly displaced people.    There are over 110 million forcibly displaced people globally, and the overwhelming majority live in low- and middle-income countries. Forcibly displaced people face enormous challenges. We should not underestimate the ability of people, whatever the hardships they face, to create and innovate when they have the right opportunities.   The private sector can and should play a role by contributing to expanding access to quality healthcare and other services, creating jobs, and leveraging tech-enabled solutions so that young people can pursue higher education and workforce training that provides routes for better lives.   Our consultations today with a strong and committed UNHCR team led by Raouf Mazou and Sajjad Malik focused on next steps in promoting joint solutions with deep development impact, in particular within health, education, and digital innovation. IFC and UNHCR teams will stay engaged, moving forward to develop private sector collaboration with relevant partners. Creating inclusive economic opportunities that will benefit displaced people and their host communities is at the heart of the IFC-UNHCR Joint Initiative established in Istanbul. Through this partnership between IFC and UNHCR, we are leveraging the unique strengths of each organization. The key premise is that nurturing local businesses and seeing displaced people as both potential entrepreneurs and also consumers of goods and services creates market opportunities, shifting the discussion from emergency solutions to long-term sustainable response, enhancing social cohesion, and building opportunities.   Through this partnership, we constantly challenge each other to do better – together, we are stronger and can have a bigger impact.   Morten Lauridsen (IFC), Betsy Lippman (UNHCR), Elena Bourganskaia (IFC), Michel BOTZUNG (IFC), Steven Shalita (IFC), Allen G. K. Maina (UNHCR), IFC - International Finance Corporation

Empower Change Together: A Partnership for Hope The Big Walk 4 Refugees marks a pivotal collaboration between Mums4 Refugees and Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR), embodying our shared dedication to secure a future where 10,000 children, women, and men, who have been part of our communities for over a decade, can finally embrace Australia as their home. Together, we've embarked on an extraordinary mission, rallying hundreds across the nation to cover an impressive 50,000 kilometres and 70 million steps in unity. This journey is not just a physical challenge but a symbol of our collective resolve. As we move forward, your support becomes crucial. We're calling on you to help fund the operational costs of the Big Walk, amplifying our message and ensuring it resonates powerfully with those who can make a difference. In partnership, Mums4 Refugees and RAR are standing up, stepping out, and speaking loud for those who seek to belong. Your contribution, voice, and heart can help turn our shared vision into reality. Join us in this vital campaign, where every step we take is a step closer to hope, inclusion, and a welcoming Australia for all. Your contribution can bring about transformative changes: - Enable young adults, who have grown up here and graduated high school, to chase their university dreams. - Empower every community member to earn a livelihood, supporting themselves and their families. - Guarantee refugees, including Australian-born children, access to essential services like Medicare and Centrelink. - Reunite families separated for far too long, healing years of waiting with the joy of togetherness. Together, we've already symbolically circled Australia's coast three times to demonstrate our commitment. Now, we seek your support to cover the Big Walk's operational expenses, ensuring our voices are heard louder than ever by decision-makers. How You Can Help: - Donate: Every dollar brings us closer to a future where everyone has the right to belong. - Share: Spread the word using #bigwalk4refugees and make our collective voice impossible to ignore. - Engage: Visit www.bigwalk4refugees.au to learn more and join our cause. Your support is not just a donation; it's a step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate Australia. Together, let's walk the path of change and stand as a beacon of hope for those seeking a place to call home. #BigWalk4Refugees - Walk with us. Make a difference today. https://lnkd.in/geMYKPNQ

Hear two of the most thoughtful people I know discuss sustainability and inclusivity for refugees in the workforce and in communities. Today from 12 pm - 1 pm ET, join "Share the Platform: Collaborative Strategies for Refugee Integration in Academia” Registration required: https://lnkd.in/eh47QWgj This event is hosted by the Integration and Belonging Hub at Clark University as part of the Belonging Talks Speaker Series, and is co-sponsored by the Department of Sustainability and Social Justice and the School of Professional Studies. Speakers: Alfred Babo & Anita Fabos, Co-Founders of Share the Platform For the Spring ‘24 semester, the Belonging Talks center on the theme of “Co-Creating Workforce Integration and Belonging for Refugees and Communities." Our speakers explore topics related to sustainability and inclusivity for refugees in the workforce and in communities. Clark University SSJ professor, Anita Fábos, will be joined by colleague and Fairfield University professor, Alfred Babo, to present about the Share the Platform initiative they started in 2019. The mission of Share the Platform is to “center the expertise of refugees to improve policy, programs, and practice.” They will converse about strategies for those of non-refugee backgrounds to better advocate for and “share the platform” with fellow colleagues from refugee backgrounds, including a discussion of best practices from a refugee perspective. To learn more, check out https://lnkd.in/efGcKnfE. Moderators: Leora Kahn & Craig Mortley, Co-Convenors of Share the Platform Questions? Email the Integration and Belonging Hub ([email protected]) or Anita Fábos ([email protected])