According to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as of the end of June 2023, the number of forcibly displaced individuals from their homes reached approximately 110 million due to persecution, conflicts, violence, human rights violations, and events severely disrupting public order.
These individuals face a life filled with daunting challenges after losing their homes and sources of livelihood. Adapting to their new environment becomes difficult as basic life guarantees are absent, and displacement and begging become haunting specters for the displaced.
The question here turns to how to provide a livelihood, becoming an urgent matter. Before delving into our topic in this article, we first want to clarify the difference between a displaced person and a refugee.
The displaced person and the refugee are two terms used to refer to different categories of individuals living outside their original place of residence, but there is a distinction between them:
Displaced Person:
This term refers to an individual who has left their home or usual place of residence due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or similar reasons. They remain within the borders of their country and often seek shelter or a safe place within the same country.
Refugee:
This term signifies a person who has lost protection or lives in danger in their home country due to wars, persecution, or severe threats to their fundamental rights. This compels them to seek shelter and protection in another country, seeking asylum.
In essence, a displaced person stays within the borders of their country, while a refugee crosses national borders in search of protection and shelter in another country.
Challenges of Displaced Individuals:
Displaced individuals face multifaceted difficulties after losing their homes and sources of livelihood. The psychological burden of displacement, coupled with practical challenges in securing food, shelter, and income, adds to the daunting scenes. Many find themselves in a state of vulnerability, lacking the necessary resources and supportive systems to rebuild their lives. Establishing income-generating projects for displaced individuals in poor countries becomes vitally important.
The Purpose of Establishing Income-Generating Projects for Displaced Families:
These projects hold significant importance in alleviating their hardships. They serve as a catalyst for achieving economic independence, providing opportunities for financial autonomy, skill development, and enhancing their ability to generate income. Additionally, these projects reduce homelessness and begging, particularly among the youth and women.
Examples of Simple Income-Generating Projects:
There are several simple and income-generating projects that can be implemented for the benefit of displaced families. Here are some examples:
1. Craft Workshop:
- Establish a workshop for learning handcrafts such as sewing or knitting.
- Provide women with the necessary skills to produce sellable products.
2. Local Food Sales:
- Offer educational courses on local culinary arts.
- Initiate a small project for selling local foods in the area.
3. Vegetable and Fruit Farming:
- Provide tools and training on vegetable and fruit farming.
- Cultivate and sell the produce in the local market.
4. Home Services:
- Launch home maintenance or cleaning services.
- Train youth in maintenance skills and employ them to provide services.
5. Handcrafted Products Manufacturing:
- Provide training in crafting handmade products like bags or accessories.
- Market these products locally or online.
6. Vocational Training:
- Offer vocational training courses in demanded crafts in the region.
- Facilitate employment opportunities for trainees in fields like computers or maintenance.
Establishing simple income-generating projects for displaced families holds significant importance in improving their quality of life and alleviating the burdens imposed by displacement. These projects enhance local economies in affected areas by enabling refugees to actively contribute to stimulating local business and economic activities. Furthermore, these initiatives provide opportunities for women and youth to acquire new skills, thereby promoting employment prospects. These projects contribute to a sense of belonging and motivation among refugees, empowering them to build a better and more stable life despite the challenges they face.
