uman Initiative, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization (NGO) focusing on humanitarian issues in Indonesia and around the world, has launched the Decent Work and Settlement for Refugee Assistance Program (DREAM), a collaborative effort aimed at addressing homelessness among refugees and paving the way for their economic independence.
Supported by Citi Foundation, this program targets 220 refugees, providing them with access to skills training and employment opportunities, with a focus on adults who can utilize these skills under regulations applicable in their host countries.
The launch event, held in Jakarta on Dec. 17, was attended by Tomy Hendrajati, president of Human Initiative; Puni Ayu Anjungsari, director and country head of public affairs at Citi Indonesia; Nelwan Harahap, director of victim and refugee facilitation at the emergency deputation of the BNPB; Kombes Popon Ardianto Sunggoro, head of extraordinary crime handling at Deputy V/Security Affairs of Kemenko Polkam; Atu Yudhistira Indarto, Coordinator of Humanity Function of the Directorate of Human Rights and Humanity at the Foreign Affairs Ministry and refugee representatives who shared their stories and hopes as beneficiaries of the program.
The Kick Off Dream Project was part of a program to commemorate the International Human Solidarity Day (IHSD) that would fall on Dec. 20
Empowering Humanity
In his remarks, Tomy Hendrajati, president of Human Initiative, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing global refugee challenges, stating, "The DREAM program is a tangible manifestation of multi-stakeholder collaboration to support refugees. By providing housing allowances and skills training, we hope to make a positive impact, enabling refugees to live more dignified lives."
Tomy said at the doorstop interview that the refugees that deserved to join the training course were those that held ID or were registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“They will join the training course prior to open bigger opportunity being settled in a third country,” he said.
“But it will entirely depend on them [the refugees] whether or not they are willing to develop their skills,” he said.
Regarding the training course, it would last for two years and would be delivered in both virtual and on-the-ground forms.
Meanwhile, Puni Ayu Anjungsari, director and country head of public affairs at Citi Indonesia, pointed out “From the side of training, the training courses that we give will be adjusted to the needs of a third country that the refugees will aim for,” she added.
She cited English, IT, bookkeeping and financial education as examples of the training courses.
“This way, when they arrive at a third country, they already have a skillset that the third country needs,” she said.
She said Citi Foundation’s engagement in the DREAM program was aligned with the foundation’s focus on poverty for homeless people.
“In Indonesia, we collaborate with Human Initiative,” she said.
"Through the DREAM program, we are proud to contribute directly to an initiative that creates tangible social impact by providing relevant skills development programs for refugees. We hope our contribution will help foster economic equality and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for communities worldwide."
Nelwan Harahap, director of victim and refugee facilitation at the emergency deputation of BNPB, appreciated the collaboration initiated by Human Initiative and Citi Foundation, saying, "Through the DREAM program, we not only provide skills training and housing allowances for refugees but also encourage them to become productive individuals. At BNPB, we believe that refugee management must be holistic and integrated, supporting long-term development approaches."
Mohammad Ilyas, one of the refugees benefiting from the DREAM program, said, “As a refugee, I do not just seek shelter but also strive to build a meaningful life. This program has given me new hope to work, learn and become part of a broader community."
Building a future
The DREAM program not only helps refugees survive but also empowers them to become productive individuals through skills training and support in accessing decent employment opportunities in their host countries.
Involving a total of 35 refugees as participants during the launch event, the DREAM program also inspires local communities and strategic partners to support refugees in creating a more inclusive and empowered world.
Human Initiative, Citi Indonesia and Foreign Ministry hope that DREAM can serve as a model of collaboration to be replicated in other regions, both in Indonesia and globally.
Currently, Indonesia is home to about 13,000 refugees, with countries of origin including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen, etc.
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