Refugee Programs

Africa hosts a significant share of the world's displaced persons. Various factors drive people to leave their homes and look for shelter elsewhere - the most common by far are internal conflicts. Political persecution, lack of basic rights and extreme material deprivation resulting from droughts and other natural catastrophes also compel people to move.

With the large uncontrolled influx of foreign nationals from all over Africa into South Africa, the country today has many challenges to deal with a variety of issues e.g. visa’s. asylum seeking, housing, xenophobia, health care and visa extensions. Unlike many African countries, South Africa does not have refugee camps. Refugees and asylum seekers live in urban areas and survive largely on their own. If they do need assistance, they are instructed to approach the local government structures or refugee programs. Focus has therefor been placed on professional social services to support this vulnerable population. While many refugees travel to South Africa with the intention of drastically improving their lives, most find it difficult to find jobs, earn a sustainable living, and gain access to social services.

Much support and funds are needed to help a handful of organizations that are supporting large numbers of people.