As part of a partnership visit to strengthen ties with PCI Nigeria and engage directly with local collaborators, delegates from the European Union (EU) Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland visited PCI's male shelter. The visit provided an opportunity to gain a first-hand insights into the shelter's facilities for beneficiaries and the ongoing efforts to support sustainable reintegration of returnees.
The VluchtelingenWerk Nederland representatives arrived first, receiving a guided tour of the facility, capturing moments in photographs, and departing prior to the arrival of the EU delegation. Upon arrival, the EU delegates were welcomed by PCI Executive Director, who shared the shelter’s inspiring origin story. He recounted his personal journey as a returnee without access to adequate shelter, highlighting the scarcity of safe spaces dedicated to men in similar situations. Motivated by this experience, he founded the shelter to offer a secure and supportive environment for others seeking stability and a fresh start.
During the meeting, we presented the shelter's achievements, including the successful reintegration of numerous returnees. We emphasized the importance of the "Start and Improve Your Business" (SIYB) training program, developed by the International Labour Organization, as a means to empower returnees through entrepreneurship. This program equips individuals with the tools needed to start their own businesses, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods.
The Delegates, comprising of those from the EU (Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS) and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland expressed appreciation for the shelter’s welcoming environment and the transformative impact of our work. The visit concluded with a group photograph and warm farewells, marking a shared commitment to supporting returnees in their journey to rebuild their lives.