Scalabrini Centre Annual Report 2023

Since its inception in 2002, The Scalabrini Centre has continuously adapted to address the ever-changing landscape of migration. Our goal has always been to make the most meaningful contribution to positively impact the lives of people on the move.

Initially, direct assistance was identified as the most pressing need, leading to our original services: direct welfare assistance and English language classes.

Over the past 20 years, our organisation has grown not only in size but also in our understanding and impact. This growth prompted the question, “What’s next?”

Having consolidated our mission statement, it was time to reflect on our vision and strategy for the future. We aimed not just to remain relevant but to move from a reactive to a proactive organisational approach, confidently pursuing our goals with intentionality.

Our organisational strategy development process involved the entire staff, partners, stakeholders, and clients. It was wonderful to see how the Scalabrini Centre team came together, gradually moulding different experiences and linguistic nuances into one shared vision: “A welcoming South Africa where the rights of people on the move are realised.”

Our umbrella theme, Welcoming, encompasses activities promoting social cohesion, relationship building, and accountability to affected populations. This theme remains fundamental given the persistent negative rhetoric around people on the move and the prevalence of exclusionary policies.

Our primary focus is Protection, addressing urgent needs influenced by the contentious White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection. Continuous advocacy efforts are crucial to counter the arbitrariness and abuse of power by the Department of Home Affairs, affecting those seeking safety and protection in South Africa. The increase in immigration detention, including at refugee reception centres, highlights the erosion of asylum protection in the South African context.

The repercussions of these deliberate practices lead to increased stressors for people on the move. This is where our Wellbeing and Development programme interventions become relevant. The programme promotes psychosocial health, personal development, and growth. It is vital in mitigating the increased stressors faced by people on the move, making them more vulnerable.

The Integration Pathways programme unlocks the potential of clients through various learning opportunities, overcoming employment access challenges, and supporting clients in their journey towards self-reliance.

While 2023 was certainly marked by many challenges, I would like to acknowledge the Scalabrini staff team for their commitment, which has led to many achievements:

Among these:

• The reopening of the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office after a ten-year-long legal battle,
• Hosting of the first ever Children on the Move Conference with over 100 delegates in attendance.
• Developing a trauma-informed framework for Lawrence House, our Child and YouthCare Centre.
• Formulating and committing to three pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.
• Celebrating 35 AS and 10 BA graduates from our online degree programme, in partnership with the Global Education Movement of Southern New Hampshire University (US).
• Introducing masculinity work as a core component of our Men’s Development Group.
• Assisting over 12,000 people through our collaborative efforts.

The Scalabrini Centre is excited to continue our journey alongside people on the move with renewed intentionality. We are confident this will lead to better service delivery, greater impact, and systemic change for all.

Giulia Treves, Director of the Scalabrini Centre