56 organisations and community groups across Scotland have received £2.8 million to deliver projects designed to help New Scots settle in communities by promoting social and cultural connections, education and employability skills.
Sabir Zazai, our Chief Executive said: “The quality and range of projects put forward for this fund is very impressive and reflects the growing commitment across Scotland to welcome and support people seeking refugee protection.
“Helping people settle in and rebuild their lives in a new country shouldn’t be controversial. It’s a normal human instinct and we’re fortunate that there is so much expertise and willingness in Scotland now to provide practical, local support to newcomers.
“People from refugee communities who have been through the process of settling in here themselves know better than anyone what really helps. We’re pleased that people with experience of refugee protection shared their expertise as part of the decision making process. We’re also pleased to see refugee-led groups among those who will benefit from this fund.
“The need to stand together and welcome and support each other has never been more important. We look forward to working with the organisations delivering these new projects and with all groups and communities working to make Scotland a better, more welcoming place for New Scots.”
The supported projects include:
- £72,930 to help Arabic speakers in Dundee, Fife and Clackmannanshire access certification to work in the Scottish construction industry
- £114,987 to improve mental health and reduce loneliness and social isolation of refugees and separated children in Edinburgh
- £23,075 for English language learning (ESOL) in Midlothian that focuses specifically on preparing learners for the workplace
- £104,615 for employment and training support for refugees in the West of Scotland
This project is part funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is part of the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy which aims to ensure refugees live in safe and welcoming communities that enable them to rebuild their lives from the day they arrive in Scotland.
We are pleased to work in partnership with the Scottish Government, COSLA and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow to deliver this project.
