Registered refugees are limited in self-reliance and livelihood opportunities as they do not have legal access to the local labour market. UNHCR offers limited vocational skills training and incentivised production activities within the camps. While opportunities for skills development were minimal in 2014, the Government has expressed willingness to consider an expansion of the livelihood and skills development initiatives in 2015. It still remains unlikely that the refugees will be granted the right to work outside the camp.
Currently most refugees seek working opportunities within the camps (opening small shops, and offering private tuition to fellow refugee youth, etc).
UNHCR will identify more areas to offer vocational training opportunities (i.e. tailoring, carpentry and woodwork, electrical appliance repairs, etc).
The community technology access programme (CTA) will continue to provide computer/IT skills to registered refugees at both advanced and beginner levels. The role of refugees in their capacity as trainers and managers of the CTA centres will also be increased.
Under UNHCR’s prioritized response for 2015, the office will maintain the following interventions:
• Vocational and skills training;
• Community technology access programmes;
• Procurement of raw material and equipment for the production of domestic items; and
• Basic kitchen gardens (vegetable patches) for targeted families.