"Congolese Americans: Finding a Home in New England" - Congolese Refugees - Granite Grok

“Congolese Americans: Finding a Home in New England” – Congolese Refugees

Well, it seems that the notice of the Federal government, probably via some “Social Services Organization” (formerly a charity that has lost its way and has been “captured” by the lure of taxpayer money) trying to move up to 3, 000 refugees into Dover (10% of the population – you think that amount of folks would not “fundamentally transform” that city?) has caught a bit of the viral stuff.  From an interested reader, an link on some stories.  I found this one, sent along as well, to be more informational:  January 2014: Cultural Orientation Resource Center, The Congolese Caseload (begin page 3): http://www.resettlement.eu/sites/icmc.tttp.eu/files/CAL_CongoleseBackgrounder_013014_highres.pdf (I have downloaded the doc):

DEMAGRAPHIC — The Congolese caseload is relatively young, with nearly 55% under the age of 18 and an additional 18% between the ages of 18–25. Only slightly more than a quarter of the caseload is over the age of 25, and only 3% of the population is 50 years of age or older, a stark indicator of the hardships this population has suffered. There are slightly more females (51%) than males (49%) in the caseload. …

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS — The Congolese minor caseload includes unaccompanied and separated minors of all ages (below 18 years of age).   Unaccompanied minors are referred alone, with other minors, or with a non-relative adult caretaker. Separated minors are referred with an adult relative caretaker. The unaccompanied and separated Congolese minors are spread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with the majority residing in Uganda and Rwanda.

Unaccompanied minors that are referred alone or with other minors are destined for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program. During RSC Africa interviews, staff explain to the minors that if approved for resettlement, they will enter the URM program upon arrival to the United States. Unaccompanied and separated minors who are referred with an adult caretaker (relative or non-relative) will complete a counseling session with RSC Africa staff to explain their options if resettled to the United States. The first option is to stay together as a family unit, and the second is for the minor to enter the URM program. RSC Africa staff encourage families to ask questions about their options so they can make an informed decision. If the family decides the minor should enter the URM program, RSC Africa staff explain that the minor will likely be resettled to the same general area as their former adult caretaker and will be able to maintain a relationship with them in the United States. According to RSC Africa data, Congolese families are more likely than other nationalities to choose the URM program….

OCCUPATIONS — The work backgrounds and skills of the refugees vary greatly, making generalizations difficult. The caseload includes farmers and herders from rural areas as well as unskilled workers  and professionals from urban areas. Many women have worked as small traders, selling clothing, food, and other household items. Common professions include teaching, social/community work, and office work. Farmers and unskilled workers appear to outnumber those with professional or semi-professional backgrounds. It is worth noting that some Congolese refugees have worked in their countries of asylum. Still others may have gained vocational skills training, as in Rwanda, where training in tailoring, welding, and carpentry is available. Although the population is diverse in work experiences and skills, most share a strong desire to succeed economically in the United States….

EDUCATION — According to self-reported data collected during refugee processing, almost all of those individuals 18 years or older for whom data were obtained have had some formal education, with about one-third reporting some primary schooling and a little more than half reporting intermediate, secondary, or technical school education. The percentage of those with post-secondary education (pre-university, university, professional school, or graduate school) among those who reported their education level was similar to the DRC national average of 5%.
Nearly 20% of those aged 18 years or older report no ability to read and write, suggesting that some of those who attended school did not learn to read and write. It can be assumed from what is known about school attendance in the DRC that most of those who cannot read or write are female.

More than half (59%) of the Congolese in the caseload do not speak any English, and higher percentages do not read or write the language. However, a significant minority (29%) say they speak some English, with smaller percentages claiming some reading and writing knowledge of the language. The percentage of those who claim to speak English well is 11%. About the same percentage say they can read and write the language well.
HEALTH — The prolonged conflict in the DRC, and the nature and brutality of the violence, has had a clear impact on the refugees’ physical and psychological health. It can be assumed that most if not all Congolese refugees have experienced or witnessed violence. Furthermore, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is reportedly widespread within the DRC, and remains a very real risk for refugees during flight as well as in countries of asylum. Domestic service providers report a high proportion of female survivors of SGBV, and male victims of sexual violence are not unknown. The physical impact of such violence is seen in cases with medical complications due to SGBV, while the psychological impact can be seen in the high degree of trauma from torture, SGBV, and the witnessing of violence.

According to RSC Africa, the five most common medical conditions among refugees in the overseas pipeline are tuberculosis, hypertension, HIV, vision problems, and heart disease. Less serious chronic conditions, such as arthritis and back problems, may be common and underreported among a population that is accustomed to these conditions by the physical hardships of daily life.
EXPOSURE TO MODERN AMENITIES — Very few new arrivals will know how to drive. Some younger people will have had experience using computers, particularly e-mail, which they use to stay in touch with friends and relatives. Cell phones are commonly used by Congolese. Many will need help using appliances. Few will have ever opened a bank account. Most will have had little experience interacting with a functioning judicial system.
PARENTING — It is said in the DRC—and throughout Africa—that a child belongs to the parents when still in the mother’s womb,but after birth he or she belongs to the community. Village children spend most of their time outside the house and may roam freely, eating and even sleeping in neighbors’ houses. Children learn traditional values and norms not only from their parents but from other adults as well. Children who misbehave are usually spanked or hit with a rope or a stick. They may also be denied permission to play
with other children or refused food for a meal. Children may be disciplined not only by their parents but by their older brothers and sisters as well. While parents will talk to their children about many things, one topic is rarely discussed: sexuality. After a girl hashad her first menstruation period, an aunt may talk to her about sexuality and the risk of pregnancy. For a boy, it may be an elder who passes on information, but almost never the father.
Etc. . and on it goes
Resettlement Issues and Concerns start on page 8.

 

Page 11: The contents of this backgrounder were developed under an agreement financed by the Bureau of Population,Refugees, and Migration, United States Department of State, but do not necessarily represent the policy of that agency and should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

 

 

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