Strengthening Mechanisms for Receiving, Managing and Integrating Involuntary Migrants Within the Municipal Council

Summary

The project looks at the representation of urban migrants and refugees on the Arua City Development Forum, Representation of migrants and refugees on school management committess and provision of internship for Refugee Students. Capture the needs of refugees in the City Development Plan and Budget, incorporate refugees on Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of City Schools, both primary and secondary since City education services are non-discrimatory, Providing internship opportunities to refugees in tertiary and other higher institutions of learning to obtain practical skills and experience in various fields.

Impact

Migrants and refugees residing in Arua city must be included in urban planning to reach participatory governance. Arua City schools currently (2021) host approximately 5000 refugee learners, both public and private. Parents of these learners should have representation on the PTA executive committee. Many refugees enroll in various tertiary and higher institutions of learning and they must undertake internship for exposure and confidence development in preparation for employment.

Lessons learnt

Migrants and refugees should be included in local census to plan accordingly.