How locals can help to integrate refugees and asylum seekers

Norway is probably the best country when it comes to integration of immigrants and refugees. In fact, a report from IMDi (Inkluderings- og mangfoldsdirektoratet/ Inclusion and Diversity Directorate) shows that Norway beats its neighbors when it comes to integration. The government does a lot of things to integrate immigrants and refugees. But the municipality, the local community and organization plays without doubt the biggest role when it comes to integrating new citizens.

Lenvik in Senja, a municipality where I used to live, is unbelievably good integrating refugees, especially through sport. The local handball-team and football-team, Lenvik HåndballKlubb and FIL Fotball, is known for including and integrating refugees and asylum-seekers through sport. They have hosted several cups and matches for the new citizens. FIL Fotball has for example arranged “Fargerik Fotball” or “Colorful Football”, which is a football tournament for the local students and young asylum seekers. The tournament has shown to be very successful with happy kids and delicious food from all around the globe. The football clubs member’s, together with FIL Turn’s (Gymnastics club), has also done voluntary work and gathered money to help refugees in the Mediterranean sea. Lions Club Finnsnes, a MC-club, is also pretty good with welcoming refugees. In a cooperation with UDI, they are offering unaccompanied minor refugees several activities including waffles and a motorcycle trip.

These actions from the local citizens together with organizations, is something that need to be followed not only in Norway, but also around areas with refugees around the world.

Do we, as locals and neighbors, need to integrate new citizens with refugee background? The answer is a resounding yes! As classmates, team players, friends and acquaintances need to welcome and seek contact with refugees. The result would be a warm and caring society.

Sources:

• http://www.folkebladet.no/tv/#!/video/20520/mange-venner-takket-vaere-haandballen

• http://www.folkebladet.no/sport/article11545345.ece

• http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/integrering-og-innvandring/ny-rapport-norge-best-i-skandinavia-paa-integrering/a/23653302/

• http://www.folkebladet.no/nyheter/2016/09/06/MC-og-vafler-til-flyktningene-13289908.ece

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