PARTNER :
The centre for asylum seekers in Tournai is one of the 24 reception centres managed by the Red Cross in Belgium. Asylum seekers come from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Iraq, Syria and other parts of the world. They left their country for different reasons such as forced marriage, war, persecution due to religion, sexual orientation or political opinion. Many of them were separated from their family, and they found themselves without any resource or shelter. The Red Cross is mandated by the government for the reception of asylum seekers, and its work in this area adheres to its principles of humanity, independence and neutrality.
The centres provide the following services :
- accommodation and food
- necessary hygienic means
- support and monitoring on the asylum procedure and social support
- medical support
- compulsory education for minors
- cultural and sports activities
The centre of Tournai can host up to 450 residents. The centre hosts different kind of family situations: families, childless couples but mostly isolated persons.
The infrastructure of the centre enable it to have, beside the usual accommodation facilities, some convivial areas such as a refectory, a library, TV lounges, a games library, a sports hall,...
WORK :
The aim of this workcamp is not only to raise volunteers’ awareness about migration issues and enable them to have a personal approach to this topic, but also to bring a breath of fresh air to the residents of the centre.
Volunteers will take part in the community life of the centre and their tasks will mainly consist of some renovation works within the centre but also the organisation of entertainment activities:
- Diverse renovation works will be carried out together with the technical team of the centre (for instance: renovation of some bedrooms, cleaning, painting, recycling workshops,...)
- Activities for the residents organized with the workers in order to understand better the way the centre works: Examples of activities:
- Sport competitions (badminton, indoor football,...)
- Cooking activity
- Entertainment activities for adults: board games, film club,... (depending of volunteers’ initiatives)
- Support to the games library
- After school homework help program (for children and teenagers of the centre)
ACCOMMODATION :
Volunteers will sleep in a room within the centre changed in a bedroom. Showers and toilets will be provided.
FOOD :
Volunteers will have their meals in the restaurant of the centre with the residents. If you have a special diet, please let us know in advance.
LOCATION :
The center is located at the border of the town of Tournai, in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium. The town is about 20 minutes away by car from France border and 1 hour by train to brussels. Easy access by public transport, Tournai is a dynamic town full of activites and historical places.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION :
- Volunteers are asked to prove a certain interest for the topic of migration and to be willing to interact with asylum seekers. Experience in animation (games, song, entertainment activities, dance...) will be appreciated.
- A project-related motivation letter is required.
- Volunteers will have to respect the regulations of the centre. Alcohol is formally prohibited in the centre.
LANGUAGES :
The language of the workcamp is English. Basics of French are useful but not necessary.
TERMINAL :
Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) or Brussels South Airport (Charleroi), meeting point at Tournai train station on 18/09. Train timetables on www.b-rail.be/main/F/
SUMMARY OF THE WORKCAMP :
(This description can be used for promotion of the project by the sending partners on their social media channels): The centre for asylum seekers in Tournai is one of the 24 reception centres managed by the Red Cross in Belgium. The aim of this workcamp is not only to raise volunteers’ awareness about migration issues and enable them to have a personal approach to this topic, but also to bring a breath of fresh air to the residents of the centre. Volunteers will take part in the community life of the centre and their tasks will mainly consist of some renovation works.