Launch of LORECA Heralded by Government
LORECA's launch reception on 12 October at the Design Museum brought together 115 representatives from government, employers, professional associations, trade unions and refugee community organisations.
Andy Burnham MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for refugee integration delivered the keynote address, stating "The Home Office is committed to facilitating the economic integration of refugees in London and around the UK... I wish LORECA every success in bringing co-ordination and strategic leadership to the many organisations concerned with the employability of refugees in London."
Mr Burnham introduced LORECA's new Employment, Training, and Enterprise Directory, which contains information on over 850 organisations that provide assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in London.
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Pictures (L to R): Lee Jasper; Guests mingle at the event; Nagat el-Mahi introduces her work.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor's Office, Lee Jasper, Policy Director of Equalities & Policing said: "LORECA is a vitally important initiative. Refugees' arrival offers our city a huge opportunity. The Mayor is determined that we make the most of it. LORECA has a key part to play in helping us meet that challenge, for the benefit of all Londoners. To make sure refugees can contribute fully to employment and enterprise in London, we have to act strategically - setting goals for the long-term, and coordinating effort city-wide to realise them. LORECA has the potential to give that strategic lead."
Additional speakers included Dr. Martin Blake, Head of Social Responsibility for Royal Mail, Simin Azimi, Director of Refugee Women's Association, and Maria Diaz, Skills & Employment Manager at the London Development Agency. Refugee Artists Nagat el-Mahi and Zory displayed their work, via Refugees & the Arts Initiative. The event was endorsed by Works for Me, a multi-ethnic recruitment publication.
[21/10/05]