Living more sustainable lives: circular solutions for refugees’ integration in Europe

The influx of people seeking protection in Europe over the past year presents one of the greatest challenges ever faced by this continent. Political instability and conflict in the EU’s neighbouring countries are driving this mass movement of people.From 2015 onwards, with the arrival of thousands of Syrians, Iraqis and Eritrean refugees through the Mediterranean and Turkey, new priorities have emerged, particularly in terms of their socio-economic integration, which employment is a core part. This is a strategic area that supports refugee’s self-reliance and empowerment. Yet, data from across the EU suggests that persons benefitting from international protection still face countless difficulties to find jobs, given their reduce language knowledge and, in the majority of cases, low qualifications.The project “Living more sustainable lives: circular solutions for refugee integration in Europe” is aimed to support the socio-economic integration of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe through the acquisition of competences in upcycling techniques.Using the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful, beautiful and of higher value, will contribute for the refugees’ integration, as well as promote innovative economic models, essential to meet the target of 70% recycling for 2030 and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, identified by the European Commission as relevant for the circular economy, namely number 12 “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”.Furthermore the project aims to foster the professionalization of refugees and migrants, in particular women, creating new job and business opportunities in areas such as food, fashion and design, while contributing to the development of a Circular Economy (CE) oriented to refugees and migrants in Europe.Life as a refugee is, perhaps, a first experience of circularity and collaborative economy. Many times, we see refugees and migrants, who lost everything, develop certain skills such as learning crafts, building objects and subsisting through the exchange of services, recycling and reuse of products, that is, what we know today as a Circular Economy. In addition, it is important to understand that many refugees have previous experience, in the country of nationality or host countries, with informal economy and experience in working with crafts, woods and other materials that they can access easily in these countries. The current project wishes to redirect these competences and bring opportunities for refugees to boost their self-confidence, entrepreneurial mind-set and creativity.Through a strategic partnership, the creation of an NFE curricula on circular economy for refugees and migrants will be design and tested in 5 European countries, reaching some 100 refugees and migrants.The project aspire that refugees have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Europe, hopefully more sustainable lives.