SUR: Support for Urban Refugees

Computer classes conducted at the community center

The SUR project focuses on three main objectives: improving the livelihood skills of refugees, improving support mechanisms for refugee women and children, and facilitating social adjustment and increasing leadership within the refugee population. To date, the SUR project has served over 1000 direct beneficiaries through its programming.

The project focuses on Somali, Ethiopian, and other refugees living in Sana’a governorate and includes the following activities:
-Training Courses: English, Computer Basics, Catering, Beauty Salon, Arabic (Volunteer), Somali (Volunteer), Handicraft (Volunteer), Teacher training, Vocational Training (Mobile Repair, Medical Assistant, Operating Heavy Machinery, Sewing, Waitressing, Cleaning), Leadership
-Support Mechanisms: Day Care facilities and community-based day cares, revision courses for schoolchildren, awareness sessions (education, qat, racism, FGM)
-Employment Center: Job placement, background checks, Cleaning Association
-Cultural and Sporting Activities: Cultural festivals, support for performing groups, football team and tournament, volleyball, women’s athletics, running club, boxing club, photography club

SUR expects to assist approximately 2,000 direct beneficiaries and 5,000 indirect beneficiaries through its programs. Following completion of ADRA-SUR training programs, trainees are able to obtain employment within local businesses or self-started businesses to support themselves and their families. Ultimately, ADRA-SUR hopes that the Community Development Center and its activities will be run exclusively by a team of qualified, well-trained staff from the refugee community.