On May 12, 2011 the social enterprise, established by the International Charity Social Association of Afghan Refugees “Afghan Community”, was officially opened.
Mr. Oldrich Andrysek, UNHCR Regional Representative for the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, took participation in the ceremony.
Mr. Andrysek visited the chop in which women worked, all the instances of bed linen, made the day before, were demonstrated to him and he even made the first purchase. He said that if people here work in a good way, produce more goods, then the salary of employees will be higher than it is now. He expressed the hope that in the future production will be expanded and will be known on the market, and there will be need to boost production and to operate two shifts.
Mr. Andrysek expressed his gratitude to the state, noting its support in establishing a social enterprise, taking into account the long registration procedure. He noted that this project was created for people who live in Belarus, and for those who want to work, it will give possibility for refugees to build their future. This is the third social enterprise in Belarus established with support of UNHCR, of course, it's a little, but it's good that these enterprises exist, operate and bring profit.
UNHCR Regional Representative expressed his gratitude to his colleagues in the UNHCR Office in the Republic of Belarus, all organizations and people who participated and assisted in the creation of this social enterprise. He wished the management of social enterprise success in the development, expansion, and sale of goods not only in the Belarusian market, but also outside the state.
Ms. Sholeh Safavi, UNHCR Representative in Belarus, expressed her gratitude to all those who participated in the creation of social enterprise, in particular its leadership for their enthusiasm and willingness to work which they demonstrate. She also expressed the hope that eventually the company will develop and give hope to refugees for the new future.
The opening ceremony was also visited by other officials among which were Ms. Tatiana Tumashik, Head of Division on Refugees and Asylum Issues of Department of Citizenship and Migration, Ms. Inna Lemeshevskaya, Deputy Secretary General on Youth and Programme Issues, Mr. Joya Haidar, Chairman of the International Public Association “Afghan Community, Association and Refugees”, and other people from Afghan Community in Belarus.
The participants noted that no single organization could not create such an enterprise if there were no initiative on the part of the Afghan community. There was hope that the youth social enterprise will become an example of successful integration and motivation for their future learning. The hope emerged that social enterprise will become an example of successful integration and motivation for future learning for the youth.
The social enterprise has been created in the framework of the international technical assistance project “Local Integration of Refugees in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine (phase I)”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNHCR in close cooperation with national governmental and non-governmental organizations. The overall objective of this international project is to support the Governments of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine to implement their obligations undertaken under the 1951 Convention by strengthening their international protection capacities and improving the integration prospects of refugees in all three countries.
The sewing workshop will produce table and bed linen and will provide employment initially to 10 refugees and socially vulnerable categories of citizens from among the local population. Part of the profit earned by the social enterprise will be used for the development of the business and part for social activities. The International Charity Social Association of Afghan Refugees “Afghan Community” will support the functioning of the Women’s Club, including organizing of social, educational and cultural events that will benefit refugees as well as members of the Club from among the local population.
