- When refugees arrive in a new country, they face uncertainty and a state of limbo, which leads to fear and isolation. We tried to create a social space where they start integration by getting to know the local community.
Ilma Varžinskaitė, 27, describes how she four years ago got the idea to start a Day Centre for refugees and asylum-seekers from the Refugee transit centre in the small town of Pabrade northwest of Vilnius. Today the idea has grown into a successful project, called “Uphill to Cultures”.
The name comes from the name of the street leading up to the centre, Uphill Street.
A newly-built catholic church in Pabrade became not only the religious centre of the town, but a social centre as well.
- It is good that the idea of a Day Centre was welcomed by the local priest, who is proud that under the roof of one parish there is space for different cultures and religions to meet, communicate and create together”, says Ilma.
In “Uphill to Cultures” refugees have the possibility to learn about Lithuania and its people, they can try speaking Lithuanian and talk to local community members. There are all kinds of activities like sports, games and celebrations.
The centre is visited by around 25 refugees, asylum-seekers and members of the local community every day.
- I started with a project for refugee children initiated by UNHCR in Lithuania and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. While working with the children I learned about their parents’ problems and started working also with them, Ilma explains.
Ilma Varžinskaitė is Head of Refugee projects in Vilnius Caritas. Vilnius Caritas provides assistance to refugees in Lithuania since 1998. They started with humanitarian aid and have lately expanded their work to social assistance.
Vilnius Caritas’s Refugee project in Lithuania involves 10 persons working with 150 refugees, and is funded by the EU.
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