Hope for Refugees on World Humanitarian Day

Every year, World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on 19th August. Christian Action has taken a major stride towards providing better rights for the refugee community - one of Hong Kong's most vulnerable communities.

Refugees face many barriers in our society, such as the freedom to work for a living. Being unable to work creates financial strain and tension for people who are simply trying to live a normal life after experiencing harrowing events in their home countries. The work situation is finally beginning to change, as there is now the ‘Discretionary Permission to Work'.

Christian Action was actually the first agency in Hong Kong to give employment to a refugee, and it was the first ‘Discretionary Permission to Work' case granted by the government. Though his case and others slowly began to move through the process, we knew more needed to be done to help these men and women prepare for the workforce and endure the sometimes long and difficult process of securing permission to work.

In May 2017, Christian Action's Centre for Refugees (CFR) launched the Refugee Employability Programme, which seeks to prepare recognised refugees for employment and guide them as they apply for permission to work. Only genuine refugees or successful cases are eligible for this programme. Currently, there are only around 200 eligible cases. Since its inception, there have been many successes. In fact, Jonnet Bernal of CFR told us, "Altogether, we've had about 35 participants in the programme, and so far 20 have been hired.

Together with a volunteer project manager, Jonnet is now building a network of refugee-friendly employers. This gives refugees more opportunities for job placements. This is essential and crucial in rebuilding lives and gaining dignity. The programme offers various workshops and training to ensure that refugees are "work-ready". When asked about the most rewarding part of the programme, Jonnet said:

"I go with the refugees to interviews. For me, it is seeing our clients have a glimmer of hope. There were instances when the clients' behaviour warmed my heart, because they showed up for the interviews all ‘suited and booted'! You can really see the difference a little hope makes in a refugee's life. I see the Refugee Employability Programme as the ultimate empowerment programme."

I love the word ‘empowerment'! It describes what is happening with these men and women. Serving the unserved is a key part of what we do here at Christian Action. Please pray that God would continue to guide these refugees, and grant them the dignity and hope they need in order to thrive in this city.