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Refugees are groups of individuals who have been driven out of their homes or countries due to conflict of political or religious persecution. And with millions of refugees all over the world, there is enough work for anyone prepared to stand up and help out. Volunteers may play an essential role in assisting and sponsoring a refugee family to integrate into a new culture and increase the quality of life in refugee camps.
How to Volunteer
Effect areas may be divided into two categories: resettlement and in-camp activities.
Resettlement activities involve matching a volunteer with an individual or family committed to being a local resource for them. These activities include helping them with anything from using a computer to grocery shopping.
Handing out food or water, offering basic healthcare, educating, and assisting refugees in preparing to leave the camp before resettling overseas are all examples of in-camp activities. If you have a medical background, you may make a significant impact by offering expert medical services.
The easiest method to locate a volunteer position in a refugee camp is to select who and where you want to assist, then do research on which organizations are on the ground, working with them. Following that, you can apply to volunteer with a specific NGO or charitable organization.
Volunteering in Different Countries
You don’t need to travel to the Horn of Africa to help Somali refugees. For example, you may be an American working with refugees in New Zealand. If you studied Arabic, you might volunteer to help Syrian refugees in Germany. If you’d like to spend time in Kenya, there are plenty of options to help with Burundian or Somalian refugees at some of the world’s largest refugee camps.
Burmese refugees in the US or Thailand, Burundian refugees in Europe or Tanzania, Somali refugees in England or Kenya, and Syrian refugees in Germany or Lebanon are possible partners. Because this is a global issue, there are many possibilities and places to volunteer.
Where to Volunteer
Canada
The United States and Canada continue to bring in large influxes of refugees from all around the world each year. If you are unable to travel abroad, you have an opportunity right within your community. You might also check for volunteer opportunities in Canada, such as Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, where many refugees have settled.
Nepal or India
Tibetan refugees have been fleeing to northern India and Nepal. This is a lovely community where you can also go for a trekking excursion before or after your volunteer work.
Nonprofit Organizations
If you aren’t set on traveling to a particular location, you can contact groups such as The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the International Rescue Committee. Just describe your skill set and what you hope to do, and learn where the most significant need is right now.
Factors to Consider When Volunteering Abroad
Reading books on refugees’ stories might help you better understand the individuals you want to support. In addition to what will be taught in training, being a successful volunteer requires patience, the capacity to work through language obstacles, and a creative approach to problem-solving in addition.
While volunteering can have a beneficial influence on the lives of those who have faced adversity, they are not easy to accomplish. You need a lot of patience and compassion as you work with these groups.
Conclusion
Volunteering to help Syrian refugees can provide you with a unique sense of fulfillment. You can learn more about what makes a successful volunteer in general, and think about how your abilities and traits can relate to your volunteer work with refugees in the country of your choice.
If you’d like to volunteer to help Syrian refugees, you can work with us. Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations-USA (UOSSM USA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable, independent, non-government, medical humanitarian organization incorporated in the state of Texas. If you would like to donate, volunteer, or become a partner, contact us today!
