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The
ongoing civil war in Somalia drove many residents of
this East African country to distant lands in a desperate
attempt to escape the violence they were exposed to
daily in their homeland. Relief agencies and governments
helped thousands of Somali refugees escape from the
war's deadly chaos. But now the refugees were scattered
about the globe in countries as distant as Canada, Norway
and Denmark. Naturally, the vast majority of the refugees
were also far from the traditional means of their livelihood,
with little prospect of caring for their families beyond
the assistance provided by local governments and agencies.
In Denmark, the new home to many of
the Somali refugee community, a local newspaper required
newspaper delivery workers. In 2006, the newspaper contacted
us, and consultants in Manpower Denmark's Permanent
Placement division contacted a Somalian association
to help identify suitable candidates. A partnership
was formed and the Somali association helped consultants
meet with interested, eager candidates.
As a result, 50 refugees were hired on as newspaper delivery
workers. For most of the Somali workers it was the very first
job they had in Denmark. For the workers and their families
it represents an opportunity to earn a livelihood and participate
more fully in their current community until they have an opportunity
to return to their homes.
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