With the help of Ukrainian singer-songwriter and SBW Berlin scholarship recipient, Vasylysa, ORAM Berlin and SBW Berlin organized a joint event in mid-September under the motto “Voices of Empowerment.” While both organizations briefly presented their work, the evening mainly revolved around Vasylysa. She not only talked about her experiences as a refugee and her life in Berlin, but also treated the audience to a musical performance on her bandura. Everybody listened attentively as Vasylysa played Ukrainian folk songs on that traditional Ukrainian instrument, covered well-known pop songs and performed her own songs.

Who is ORAM and what does this organization do?

The Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration advocates for refugees worldwide, but especially for queer asylum seekers, and tries to help them in various ways in the areas of protection, empowerment and advocacy.* For example, short-term accommodation is provided to LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees, and other resources that ensure their safety and independence are also pointed out. ORAM is headquartered in the USA, but has additional locations in Kenya, Mexico and Europe. In all these locations, ORAM’s employees advocate for issues that are important for refugees, but especially for LGBTIQ asylum seekers.

SBW Berlin and the scholarship program

SBW Berlin also informed those present about its work and funding opportunities for social engagement through the SBW Berlin scholarship program, with a focus on the SBW Berlin scholarship for refugees. The scholarship supports refugees who are socially engaged and volunteer with a non-profit organization in Berlin. It primarily supports projects that focus on topics of migration and inclusivity and create spaces in which people with and without migration histories can come together to learn from and with each other.

A lively exchange between everyone present

During the event, there was a lively exchange between all participants and the two organizations in a relaxed atmosphere. Many told their stories, shared personal aspects of their lives in Berlin, and sought feedback on training and study opportunities in the social sector. But there were also many questions about finding accommodation in Berlin. It was a successful evening, in our opinion. After all, at the end everyone was quite optimistic and full of energy.

*Source: ORAM’s website (https://www.oramrefugee.org/)

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