Asylum-seekers of Rixensart
ASSOCIATION DES COMPAGNONS BATISSEURS
MARCHE-EN-FAMENNE, Belgium
Description
The Rixensart reception center hosts asylum-seekers from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Congo, and other countries affected by war, dictatorship, or ecological disasters. They come to Belgium seeking stability, but settling in Europe is challenging. Before starting a new life, their refugee status must be proven and accepted. While awaiting legal documentation, they stay at the center near Brussels, experiencing a mix of hope and uncertainty. This project, part of a network of volunteering initiatives in Belgian reception centers, supports residents and raises awareness of migration policies. Volunteers contribute to welcoming and assisting asylum-seekers, aligning with UN SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers will sleep in a mixed dormitory with 6 bunk beds, in an annex building. Toilets are located in the same building, but for showers, volunteers will have to go to the main building (remember to bring flip-flops). Volunteers will have access to the washing machines in the center’s laundry room and can leave their personal belongings (passport, money, etc.) in the safe at reception if they wish. There is access to wifi. Volunteers will be cooking their own meals in a basic kitchen. So feel free to bring your own recipe ideas, but keep in mind that it should be kept simple.
Participant profile
We warn the volunteers that the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden inside the centre. The volunteers are required to have basic knowledge of French. Besides, it is necessary to have basic knowledge about group’s animation (songs, music, dance, plays…) and to be able to assume responsibility within a group. Be able to listen to others is very important there. This kind of workcamp is a very rich personal and human experience. It makes people aware of the complexity of certain social conditions related to the great inequalities on our planet. In order to demonstrate this, we ask the candidate volunteers: - to answer our specific questionnaire (if you do not have it yet, please ask it to your sending organization) - to send us a CGC (Certificate of good conduct) We will not confirm any placement request before the analysis of these documents.
Activity dates
From 27/04/2025 to 10/05/2025
Activity location
MARCHE PLACE DU ROI ALBERT 9, MARCHE-EN-FAMENNE, Belgium
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Canary Islands, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine
Activity topics
Social challenges
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 09/04/2025 12:00