The Out of Camp Scheme for Eritrean Refugees: The impact of the Scheme on their livelihood and Integration with the Host Community
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Date
2017-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study attempted to explore and assess the livelihood impacts, access to social services and integration experiences of Eritrean refugees under the out of camp scheme. It also assessed the perception of Eritrean refugees residing in Addis Ababa on the scheme as an alternative approach. The rationale behind this study was social constructivism. Qualitative research method was employed and phenomenological approach was found to be more applicable method for gathering data. Purposive sampling was used while selecting samples. The study was conducted in Addis Ababa in a specific area called 24 Kebele as mass Eritrean refugees were residing there. In this study, data was gathered using both primary and secondary sources. Semi structured interview and an FGD was conducted to collect primary sources of data. . Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the gathered information. It was found that the major source of income of the refugees was remittance. Regarding access to basic social services, it was indicated that there is better access in the city although it wasn’t rendered as a free service. Majority of the respondents indicated that they had positive integration process given the cultural similarities of both nations but despite that a number of respondents had minimal exposure and integration due to limited language proficiency as well as lack of initiation from their side. Refugees live in a segregated manner as they all prefer to reside with fellow refugees. The overall reaction to the out of camp scheme was positive. As to strengthen and capitalize on the positive outcomes, the scheme should be formalized and have a much clearer guidelines. Major social work interventions should be on areas of refugees’ livelihood support and on social integration.
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access to social services, and integration experiences