The King's student helping refugees secure stable employment: Refugee Week 2024

How did your role as an intern at Breaking Barriers come about and were you already aware of their work?

My role as an intern at Breaking Barriers came about when I was applying for the King's Civic Leadership Academy. Initially, I was not aware of their work. It was only after reading the brief provided by the CLA leaders that I became interested in the organisation. Intrigued by their mission, I delved deeper into their website and discovered their impactful efforts in supporting refugees. Breaking Barriers focuses on equipping refugees with the necessary skills and confidence to secure stable employment and integrate successfully into their new communities. This alignment with my interests and values made the opportunity an ideal match for me.

What do you do at the organisation – what is a typical shift like for you?

At Breaking Barriers, a typical shift for me runs from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. My day often includes a mix of activities aimed at better supporting our clients. I occasionally join group meetings where we discuss strategies to enhance our clients' transferable skills. I also join my manager in conducting Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) meetings with clients, ensuring our support is tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, I reach out to various organisations that I believe can best meet the needs of our refugee clients, helping to build partnerships that can provide further resources and opportunities for them.

What do you most enjoy about the role?

What I most enjoy about the role is the opportunity to speak Punjabi with some of the clients. This language connection provides them with a sense of familiarity and comfort, making them feel more at ease during our interactions. It helps in building trust and rapport, which are crucial for effective support. Additionally, I find it incredibly rewarding to hear about their achievements and successes in their employment journey within the UK. 

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

Some of the challenges I have faced in my role at Breaking Barriers include overcoming language barriers with clients who speak languages I am not familiar with. Ensuring clear communication can be difficult and often requires creative solutions. Additionally, addressing the complex and varied needs of each client poses a significant challenge, as their experiences and requirements differ widely. Finding the right resources and opportunities that align perfectly with their skills and aspirations often requires extensive research and coordination. Lastly, witnessing the hardships and emotional struggles that many refugees face can be emotionally taxing, and balancing empathy with professional boundaries is an ongoing challenge.

Do you think people understand about the difficulties refugees face around employment, and if not, what would you like to share to help address that?

I believe there's a lack of full understanding regarding the challenges refugees encounter in
finding employment. Drawing from my grandparents' experiences as immigrants facing
adversity, I can only imagine the compounded difficulties refugees must face. Language barriers often hinder effective communication and participation in job-related activities. Refugees' professional qualifications from their home countries are frequently unrecognised in the UK, leading to overqualification or the need for additional costly training. Adapting to different workplace cultures can be daunting, impacting confidence and performance. Moreover, the psychological toll of displacement and resettlement can severely affect refugees' mental health, hindering their ability to seek and maintain employment. Discrimination and bias from potential employers further exacerbate these challenges.

Addressing these issues requires raising awareness about the unique hurdles refugees
encounter. Providing language and skills training, supporting the recognition of foreign
qualifications, and promoting inclusive hiring practices are vital steps. Additionally, establishing supportive networks and mentoring programs can assist refugees in navigating the employment landscape more effectively. Sharing success stories of refugee integration can help shift perceptions and foster more inclusive attitudes.

This year’s Refugee Week has a theme of “Our Home”. How much do you think finding employment helps people start to feel at home in the UK?

In my experience working with refugees, I've seen firsthand how securing employment can
deeply impact their sense of belonging in the UK. Beyond simply providing financial stability,
having a job offers a profound sense of purpose and dignity that may have been lost during their displacement. Workplaces become more than just places of work; they serve as spaces for social interaction and integration. Daily interactions with colleagues help refugees build
connections, friendships, and a support network, which are crucial for feeling at home in a new country. These connections also provide opportunities to enhance language skills and grasp cultural nuances, easing the process of integration.

Moreover, employment allows refugees to utilise and further develop their skills, making positive contributions to their new society. Many refugees arrive in the UK with valuable expertise from their home countries, which can enrich local communities and economies. Beyond the practical advantages, having a stable job can significantly improve mental well-being. It offers a sense of stability and hope for the future, aiding in the healing process after the trauma of displacement.

Do you hope to use your experiences at the charity combined with your degree in your future career? If so, how?

Combining my experiences at the charity with my degree in Political Economy, I certainly hope
to leverage these in my future career. My degree has equipped me with a deep understanding
of the intersection between politics, economics, and social issues, which is invaluable when
addressing complex challenges such as refugee integration.

With my background in Political Economy, I aspire to work at the intersection of policy-making and social impact. I aim to advocate for policies that promote inclusive economic growth, address inequalities, and support marginalised communities, including refugees. Drawing from my experiences at the charity, I plan to bring a practical understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and the interventions that can effectively support their integration into society.