NEW funding has been made available to aid Arabic speaking refugees in Dundee, Fife and Clackmannanshire access certification to work in Scotland’s construction industry.
It comes as part of a new £2.8 million grant scheme to help refugees settle in their adopted communities by promoting employability, education, health and social and cultural connections.
A total of £72,930 will be made available to Arabic speakers in the area to gain the appropriate certification to work in the country’s construction industry.
Further to this, £104,615 will be used for employment and training support for refugees in the West of Scotland, with Midlothian also being boosted by £23,075 in funding for English language learning that focuses specifically on preparing learners for the workplace.
This project is part funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is part of the new Scots refugee integration delivery project. It is led by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow.
Social justice secretary Shona Robison said, “We are committed to supporting the integration of asylum seekers into our communities from day one, not just when leave to remain has been granted.
“The funding and development of these projects will support our aim to have cohesive, connected and multi-cultural communities where people can access services and be supported into employment and education.
“Scotland has a long history of welcoming asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world. In re-building their lives they help make the country stronger, more compassionate and more successful for everyone.”
Scottish Refugee Council CEO, Sabir Zazaim, added, “There is such a strong will in Scotland to support newcomers and make people feel welcome. Equally strong is the desire from refugee-led groups to make a contribution and use their skills and expertise to create flourishing, well integrated communities.
“This funding will build on all of this and allow groups and organisations to strengthen and deepen their work with people seeking safety in Scotland.”
