21 Aug 2024 | Updated 11 Dec 2024
A new partnership has been launched between Khalsa Aid and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This will build on the IRC’s pre-existing RISE programme which started early this year. Through Khalsa Aid's support and donation, this programme will expand to offer employment support to refugees amidst a dire unemployment rate of 70% in the UK.
Khalsa Aid International and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have launched a new partnership to support refugees with vital integration services in the UK.
This partnership will build on the IRC’s pre-existing RISE programme (Refugee Integration in Southeast England) which started early this year.
It is estimated that refugees in the UK have an unemployment rate of around 70%. However, with immediate support, there is huge potential for refugees to thrive in their local communities.
“I am delighted to announce this new partnership between the International Rescue Committee and Khalsa Aid, which will help deliver crucial integration support for refugees living in the UK. With the right support, refugees can thrive in their local communities."
Through a range of activities, including cultural orientation, mentorship schemes, and one-to-one counselling, RISE gives resettled refugees the knowledge and confidence to thrive, whilst also equipping local communities with the skills to support their integration.
With the support of Khalsa Aid, including £232,000 in funding, training has been provided to Afghan, Syrian, and Ukrainian clients in English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, and Ukrainian. On record, 66% of RISE clients receive a job offer within 90 days of the course.
“The compulsion to help refugees has been a powerful driving force behind the work we have done since our conception. Through this new partnership with the International Rescue Committee, we are delighted to be able to expand on our work supporting refugees around the world to the UK."
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.
Learn more at rescue-uk.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.