Family Reunification is since many years facilitated by IOM, worldwide. The FamCO-NL project, started in April 2011, seeks to prepare for their new life those joining a relative in the Netherlands with a refugee status. A customized four-day Cultural Orientation course is offered to them before departure. The project is targeting only those family reunification cases departing from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Marriage migrants preparing for the Civic Integration Exam abroad are not eligible. The FamCO-NL project, ending June 2012, serves as a pilot. Potentially, the training can be introduced in more countries worldwide.
Objective of the project is to help families to adjust to life in Dutch society and facilitate their integration. The training provides family members with information in order for them to have a realistic expectation about their life in the context of Dutch society and teaches skills and attitudes necessary for coping with life in the Netherlands.
The philosophy behind the training is that migrants should participate in the lessons as much as possible and the learning is based on exploration and experience.
During the preparatory phase of the project, IOM trained two Somali speaking trainers and developed two curricula (for children and for adults). IOM also prepared and produced educational material, like the Welcome Guide published in Somali and English - a handbook for participants. In October 2011, the IOM trainers delivered the first CO courses at IOM in Addis Ababa.
The lessons include not only factual information about history, politics, geography, education, laws and health, but also about cultural differences and adaptation.
Participation of the course is not mandatory, but is promoted by not asking any admission fees and offering lunches and beverages for free.
The FamCO-NL project is funded by the European Integration fund, while co-funding has been provided by the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations.
Contact person for FamCO-NL in the Netherlands:
Liesbeth den Haan, tel. 070-3181545
Bestanden
Start IOM training in Addis Ababa (Somali) | 222 KB | 08.02.2012
