UKRAIN ACTION
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, many people have been trying to flee the country to find safety. Switzerland is one of the countries that has provided repatriation and reception facilities to help war refugees.
The “Action Ukraine” project was initiated by the Friends of the Foundation for Geneva in March 2022. It provides 20 rooms at the Hôtel des Gravines in Versoix, allowing 38 women and children to be accommodated. With the help of volunteers, a certain number of activities, courses, administrative assistance, job search, etc. have been set up to facilitate the integration of the people welcomed.
1. LES GRAVINES AND RECEPTION OF REFUGEES
The Hotel des Gravines is currently hosting 38 women and children, housed in the 20 rooms of the establishment. Some families have been sent by the Hospice General and some have arrived via repatriation associations such as Van For Life. The association provides the rooms, a restaurant and an outdoor area. The Gravines restaurant prepares lunch and dinner.
The association works closely with the Hospice General and other institutions to ensure adequate care for refugees.
2. REGISTRATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Ukrainian∙e∙s nationals∙ne∙s, as well as people with a valid residence permit in Ukraine, will receive an S permit (duration of one year), which entitles them to accommodation, financial assistance, medical care, schooling for their children, access to the labor market. These people, who often do not speak French or even English, are assisted by the volunteers of the association to complete the procedures and to benefit from the means put in place by the partner organizations / institutions.
3. INTEGRATION AND ORGANISATION OF ACTIVITIES
With the help of volunteers, the association provides social support in order to promote the social and professional integration of refugees.
The objective is to give them all the necessary tools to integrate quickly and durably. The team organizes language courses, French and English, professional training, visits to Geneva, but also outings to the cinema, the theater, gardening and music classes, etc…
During the summer season, the children are welcomed in camps, where many activities are proposed to them. (The chruch of St-Clothilde, soccer club of Versoix).
