The NESsT Refugee Employment Initiative (REI) is named 'Social Fund of the Year, Europe' by Environmental Finance.
Workshops for refugees, Olsztyn Food Bank
Launched in partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and the Cisco Foundation in 2022, the NESsT Refugee Employment Initiative invests in enterprises that improve the labor inclusion of refugees in Central and Eastern Europe. The initiative has the impact goal of creating 3,000 jobs and improving the lives of 5,000 refugees.
One judge said the fund was "an important social initiative to invest in local SMEs" and added it was "good to see investments in organizations making commitments to employ refugees".
Earlier this year, the Refugee Employment Initiative welcomed the first cohort of enterprises in Poland and Romania that provide refugees with long-term employment support, including career training, quality job opportunities, and additional wraparound services (e.g. mental health services, language classes, support with accessing work permits, and childcare, laptops, among others).
Refugees from Ukraine supported by the Being Together Foundation
“We are honored that the NESsT Refugee Employment Initiative received this important industry award from Environmental Finance. This recognition amplifies our efforts in supporting impact enterprises that are creating quality job opportunities for refugees and migrants in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Employees working in the various business lines of UtilDeco
As part of the Refugee Employment Initiative, enterprises have access to financing and business assistance from NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship to adapt their models to accommodate refugees from diverse backgrounds and connect displaced individuals to dignified jobs in the labor market.
Damy Radę (“We Can Do It”) workshops organised by Mamo Pracuj
One enterprise in the Refugee Employment Initiative is Mamo Pracuj, a social enterprise committed to increasing the percentage of women in the tech workforce in Poland. It offers mentoring, coaching, and job counseling services through its digital platform.
In October 2021, the social enterprise launched the Women’s Talent Bank – Talenti.pl, an online recruitment platform that matches Mamo Pracuj’s network of professional women and program graduates with employers who are committed to building equitable and inclusive workplaces.
Since the launch of the Refugee Employment Initiative, Mamo Pracuj has supported nearly 2,000 women refugees in securing economic self-reliance and enhancing their job readiness.
“As part of the Refugee Employment Initiative, we are working together with NESsT to enhance our support services for refugee women and women from minority and migrant communities, and effectively match them to the job market needs, while supporting their professional development.”
NESsT also won the award for Environmental Fund of the Year, Latin America for its Lirio Fund. Learn more here.
Playful Software on cover photo.