The world refugee crisis is still a topical problem. As indicated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC), over 110 million people in the world have been forcefully displaced (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023). They are displaced from their homes due to various reasons, such as conflict, persecution, and violence, among others. Individuals escaping lose their occupations, property, social networks, sense of safety, and much more. The successful migration demands resettlement and host community integration for the restoration of refugees’ lives. As a Faith-Based Organization motivated by the realization of the need to address issues facing refugees in the migration journey and to spearhead programs aimed at making integration more continuous and natural, Lutheran Refugee Services (LRS) assists refugees in rebuilding their lives.
Recent years have seen a surge in the number of refugees worldwide. This has increased the need for refugees’ support mechanisms. Of the over 110 million displaced people, the UNHCR estimates 62.5 million are internally displaced, and 36.4 million are refugees (UNHCR,2023). According to UNHCR, there were approximately 27.1 million refugees globally in 2021. The new numbers indicate a surge in refugees calling for organizations like Lutheran Refugee Services play a proactive role in addressing the challenges faced by refugees during their resettlement journey.
The International Rescue Committee (2023) found out that 76% of refugees are hosted in low or middle-income countries, with 70% living in neighboring countries. Furthermore, Wright et al.(2015) shed light on the issues surrounding refugee integration. They emphasize the mental health challenges faced by refugees, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Lutheran Refugee Services recognizes that successful integration goes beyond the immediate provision of shelter and basic needs. The organization’s mission is aimed at serving children and families in need (Lutheran Refugee Services, n.d.). To achieve its mission, the organization leverages the community in implementing programs that address mental health concerns, facilitate cultural adaptation, and provide tailored support for employment and education. The organization seeks to create an environment in which refugees thrive in their new communities.
Establishing the organization’s goal is a crucial strategy that helps achieve the mission with the help of SMART objectives. The goal of the organization is to enhance lives through community engagement. As a result, to achieve this goal it is crucial to develop SMART goals that will enhance the process and sure the organization meets the outcomes within the set timeline. The first objective includes engaging the organization’s stakeholders to help set up education centers for children and adults within refugee camps within the next 12 months. The second SMART objective that the organization will focus on includes gathering resources by engaging the community and other humanitarian organizations to provide medication, food, decent shelter, and relocation for refugees within the next 24 months (Aghera et al., 2018). Considering that these objectives align with the organizational goal they will play a significant role in guaranteeing significant milestone achievements.
The smart goals also focus on the organization’s mission in serving children and families which will significantly improve refugee and community social status. Notably, the focus on children includes ensuring they access proper education that will help them transition effectively when they relocate from the camps to other regions. Similarly, education will help alleviate literacy standards in the refugee camps. Developing learning centers within the next 12 months will enhance the education process ensuring children do not engage in other unethical activities including drug abuse. Consequently, the second objective guarantees access to social amenities such as healthcare and other basic needs such as food and shelter which constitute the organization’s mission and goal (Aghera et al., 2018). Therefore, executing these objectives will allow the organization to achieve its goal within the right time thus addressing the humanitarian needs affecting children and families.
In conclusion, the escalating global refugee crisis necessitates urgent and strategic interventions. Lutheran Refugee Service is committed to spearheading initiatives that go beyond traditional resettlement approaches. Through targeted programs addressing mental health, socioeconomic challenges, and community integration, the organization aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of refugees. It ensures a more dignified and prosperous future for those seeking refuge in new lands.
References
Aghera, A., Emery, M., Bounds, R., Bush, C., Stansfield, B., Gillett, B., & Santen, S. (2018). A randomized trial of SMART goal enhanced debriefing after simulation to promote educational actions. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 19(1), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2017.11.36524
International Rescue Committee. (2023, September 26). Refugee facts, statistics and FAQs |
International Rescue Committee (IRC). Www.rescue.org.https://www.rescue.org/article/factsabout-refugees-key-facts-faqs-and-statistics
Lutheran Refugee Services. (n.d.). Lutheran Refugee Services in Central PA | United Way ofLancaster County. Uwlanc.galaxydigital.com. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=16135#:~:text=Lutheran%20Refugee%20Services%20in%20Central%20PA%2C%20a%20program%20of%20Lutheran
Refugee Council of Australia. (2023, October 29). Global refugee numbers – Refugee Council ofAustralia. Refugee Council of Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/how-many-refugees/
UNHCR. (2023, October 24). Refugee Statistics. UNHCR; UNHCR. https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/
Wright, A. M., Aldhalimi, A., Lumley, M. A., Jamil, H., Pole, N., Arnetz, J. E., & Arnetz, B. B. (2015). Determinants of resource needs and utilization among refugees over time. SocialPsychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(4), 539–549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1121-3
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