From 21st–24th May, practitioners from 10 local and national YMCAs across Europe and Japan gathered in Brussels for the 4th Conference on YMCA work with refugees and migrants.
“The intense and honest exchanges about our work with refugees and migrants gave me both encouragement and new perspectives. I returned to Japan with renewed energy and deeper conviction in what we do.” – Takuji Yamada, YMCA Japan
Organised by the YMCA Europe`s Working Group on Refugees, this conference was rich in both content and collaboration, with participants sharing insights from large-scale and grassroots initiatives in their respective countries: Japan, Greece, Malta, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Notably, YMCA Japan reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting refugees from Ukraine currently residing in their country.
While the integration of Ukrainian refugees in host communities was a central theme, participants also highlighted YMCA’s engagement with refugees from other regions and backgrounds.
In addition to sharing hands-on experiences, participants explored deeper questions. How should we, as a movement, respond to shifting narratives around migration in Europe – from past periods of openness to today’s growing hostility and misinformation? Why are refugees from different origins treated so differently?
“It meant a lot to me to see how, across different contexts and realities, we are all trying to make a positive impact, and that realization filled me with both hope and motivation. The thoughtful questions raised, the rich discussions we had, and the warmth of our connections will stay with me.” – Oleksandra Polovska, YMCA Stockholm (Sweden)
YMCA Europe staff contributed with sessions on funding opportunities for refugee-focused projects and presented a model designed to support the integration of refugees into local communities.
A key takeaway from the conference was the reminder that behind the statistics are individuals – people with names, dreams, and aspirations. Regardless of the size of the project or number of beneficiaries, YMCAs play a vital role in enabling refugees to find acceptance and build a future within local society. This support takes many forms: education, housing, employment, social inclusion, and active citizenship.
“These days have been very enriching and it helps to see how other people work with the same aims and desires of achieving a better world.” – Raúl Lostal Lafuente, YMCA Zaragoza (Spain)
