Australian High Commissioner and American Consul General visit ALPS project site in Bellville

ALPS Resilience and SASA have hosted several diplomats at our project site in Bellville this summer. On 1 February 2018, we welcomed the Australian High Commissioner and his colleagues. The Australians support our work with the Somali diaspora in the Western Cape, helping us foster gender equality and self-reliance. With their support, we have also been able to introduce peer support sessions to our youth program. These peer support sessions will give youth an opportunity to build a network of support to deal with academic and social pressures.

On 8 March 2018, we welcomed the American Consul General from Cape Town and her colleagues. The Americans support a comprehensive project that promotes the integration of asylum seekers and refugees in the Western Cape. While the South African government provides these individuals with safe haven, it does not have the resources to support their integration into society. Obtaining the correct documentation from Home Affairs, learning English, accessing services and finding work are all important steps for asylum seekers and refugees to live peaceful and prosperous lives in their new home.

ALPS Resilience and SASA are grateful to both their funders. Seeing projects first-hand, meeting staff and speaking to beneficiaries are important parts of development work. Parties interested in a site visit can contact Leigh Hamilton at leigh@resilience.africa.