Innovative programme helps lift Venezuelan refugees out of poverty

The refugee integration and poverty prevention programme known as the Graduation Model aims to support the most vulnerable refugees—including single mothers, large families, and those who lack a support network in their host country.

Because steady income is one of the most crucial predictors of refugees’ success in their host countries, the programme aims to give participants the tools they need to make a living.

Selected beneficiaries are provided entrepreneurship and vocational training, seed money and mentoring to help them learn new skills and start small businesses, as well as psychological support to accompany them through this process. Since 2015, more than 3,150 refugee families in Ecuador have been through the programme, which is run by UNHCR partner the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Families “graduate” from the innovative programme when their income exceeds the poverty line; when they are able to eat three nutritious meals a day; when they manage to save at least five percent of their monthly income; and when they have built a local support network.

The economic inclusion of refugees was one of the topics under discussion at the Global Refugee Forum, a high-level meeting held in Geneva last month. It brought together governments, international organizations, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, host community members, as well as refugees themselves.

Original source: UNHCR
Published on 03 January 2019