From the beginning of 2021, the initiatives, the projects and the actions intensified in the area of the Coordination of Livelihoods – Lasting Solutions, which is one of the sectors of the shelters managed by the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF) , in Roraima .
The inauguration of the space of the Indigenous Center for Culture and Training (ICCT) in May greatly contributed to the expansion of the activities already underway on the part of the Humanitarian Fraternity (FIHF) , in partnership with the UNHCR (Agency of the UN for Refugees)and the support of Operation Welcome .
Besides the humanitarian servers of the Humanitarian Fraternity (FIHF), who shared their knowledge in different workshops, there was also an expansion in partnerships with other institutions focused on vocational education, such as the Virtual University of Roraima (UNIVIRR), and the contracting of services offered by institutions such as SENAI (National Service of Industrial Education), and SENAC (Education for Work Program, São Paulo), among others.
Courses and Workshops
Various professional courses were done, on language and technical workshops, with the intent of fostering autonomy in the indigenous populations in the shelters, as well as to make it easier for their possible inclusion in the job market.
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In total, 130 people took a training course with a certificate, such as information technology, electrician, cutting and sewing, haircutting, firefighters, and Portuguese language.
The workshops such as canvas painting, crochet, cement artifacts, good food practices, shoemaking, sewing, drawing, and wall painting had 85 people participating.
Incentives that Encourage Growth
One of the young people trained in the Shoemaking Workshop had supplies donated to him and he has already moved into entrepreneurship.
As soon as Bruno Avilo Aritero Quinonez, a 20-year old Warao, finished the workshop, he began the production of alpargatas (canvas shoes) with the materials he received.
The shoe brand received the name of “Kawarao”, and is being sold through commissions, since his office is in the CCFI itself.
It’s also worth mentioning the group of 15 people of the E’ñepa tribe, who received a certificate for participating in the first 60-hour module of the Portuguese Language course.
Among the participants, one student said that after the necessary basic dialogue, they felt more secure about going to places such as the street market or the hospital.
Challenges to Be Overcome
Issues that involve transportation logistics, expectations about being included in the job market among those who have already qualified, and even some projects that have been canceled because of the pandemic, are some of the challenges being faced.
Resolving issues such as these and enabling the continuity of the entire process are part of the work agenda for the second semester.
