On Sunday 31 January, ASTI and Tiime organised the first Connections event at Hariko in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie, for the exchange, sharing and creation of ideas to create links among asylum-seekers, refugees, newly arrived migrants, foreign residents and Luxembourg nationals, in order to facilitate professional integration in Luxembourg.
The goal of the event was to present the world of work in Luxembourg, primarily aimed at refugees who have fled their country and sought international protection, or immigrants seeking a better life opportunity.
Many residents, both non-nationals and Luxembourgish nationals, lent a helping hand or declared themselves interested in volunteering, to offer their expertise and knowledge network to those recently arrived, through informal contacts.
Through various workshops, those attending could learn about the language training on offer, discover the challenges and opportunities of work in Luxembourg, share experiences, learn how to write a CV and identify the different training opportunities. Initiatives including "Business Mentoring" and "Life Coach" offered specific information on possible entrepreneurial initiatives, on the profiles of those interested in integrating the labour market and on research methods for finding a job.
A presentation on Luxembourg covering historical, economic, social and demographic information was delivered too, as well as first-hand stories from refugees in Luxembourg.
CLAE and Just Arrived also offered their skills and International School students organised activities for children. The initiative was deemed a success by those attending, with the volunteers thanks for their fine and commitment, and the organisers hope to sollow it up with another such event in the future.
