Migration and Refugees: Welcoming, Promoting, and Protecting the Vulnerable

Posted byDarrion “Theatrics” NarinePosted inThe Spectacular Views of Darrion Narine

As we approach World Day for Migrants and Refugees on September 29th, I find myself reflecting on the last three years of work with the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Our journey, supported by UNICEF and other key partners, has been one filled with both profound achievements and heart-wrenching challenges. Over this time, we’ve touched the lives of over 1200 migrant and refugee children across Trinidad and Tobago, provided critical support to more than 4000 migrants through events and psychosocial aid, and distributed food to hundreds of families in collaboration with IOM.

This experience has taught me more than I could have ever imagined about the importance of welcoming, promoting, and protecting migrants and refugees. The resilience of those displaced by war, persecution, or economic hardship has been inspiring, and their stories remind us that migration is not just about moving bodies—it’s about preserving hope and dignity. As global citizens, it is our responsibility to create an environment where every migrant and refugee feels valued, safe, and seen.

The Importance of Welcoming, Promoting, and Protecting

Welcoming migrants and refugees isn’t just about opening borders; it’s about opening hearts and minds. It’s about fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures that all people—regardless of their background—can thrive. But beyond the emotional and cultural significance of welcoming migrants, there is a very real, practical aspect to this work.

The protection of refugees, particularly children, is not optional; it’s a moral imperative. Programs like those we’ve developed—child-friendly spaces, anti-trafficking initiatives, child protection systems, and alternative care for unaccompanied and separated children—are essential for ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are given a chance to rebuild their lives. Mental health and psychosocial programming has also played a crucial role in helping people heal from the trauma they have endured, creating opportunities for them to reintegrate into communities with confidence and security.

Sustainable Global Migration

As we consider the broader picture, sustainable global migration must become a key part of international dialogue and action. The world is more interconnected than ever, and migration is a natural consequence of this. However, too often, it is treated as a crisis to be managed, rather than an opportunity to be embraced.

For migration to be sustainable, we must consider both the countries of origin and destination. Governments must work together to create systems that allow for the safe and orderly movement of people, while also supporting development in the countries that migrants are leaving. Economic investment, education, and the creation of opportunities in home countries can reduce the need for people to flee in desperation, while robust support systems in host countries can ensure that those who do migrate are able to contribute meaningfully to their new communities.

The Integration of People and Cultures

One of the greatest challenges of migration is the integration of people and cultures. This integration must be a two-way street, where both migrants and host communities are willing to learn from each other, to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of division. But how do we foster such integration while maintaining respect and understanding?

Here are a few suggestions for ensuring the successful integration of migrants and refugees into host communities:

  1. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Communities must be educated about the realities of migration. Too often, refugees are met with suspicion or fear due to misconceptions. By promoting awareness, we can foster empathy and understanding. Schools, workplaces, and public institutions should be at the forefront of this education.
  2. Community Engagement: It’s important to create spaces where both migrants and locals can interact and share their cultures. Events like cultural festivals, art exhibits, and collaborative community projects can be powerful tools for breaking down barriers and building relationships. These engagements should be structured in a way that promotes dialogue and mutual respect.
  3. Language and Skill Development: Language barriers are often one of the biggest obstacles to integration. Offering language classes and job skill development programs for migrants can empower them to participate fully in their new communities. It also allows host communities to benefit from the talents and perspectives that migrants bring.
  4. Inclusive Policy Making: Governments and NGOs must work together to ensure that the needs of migrants and refugees are taken into account when creating policies around housing, employment, education, and healthcare. Inclusive policy-making can ensure that migrants have access to the resources they need to thrive while also ensuring that local communities are supported.

Looking Ahead: A New Beginning

As I reflect on the past three years, leading a dedicated team of 14 individuals who have worked tirelessly to create change, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Together, we have not only impacted the lives of thousands of people but also learned invaluable lessons about what it means to welcome, promote, and protect those who are most vulnerable.

But this is not the end—it’s a new beginning. There is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to the integration of migrant children into our education system here in Trinidad and Tobago. We will continue to push forward, striving to create an environment where every child, regardless of where they come from, has the opportunity to succeed.

As we mark World Day for Migrants and Refugees, let us all recommit ourselves to this important work. Let us welcome, promote, and protect with compassion and determination. And let us remember that migration is not just about movement—it’s about human connection, about creating a world where every person is valued, respected, and given the chance to thrive.

Published by Darrion “Theatrics” Narine

Darrion M. Narine was born in Trinidad and Tobago but considers himself to be a global citizen. He is a social development specialist and a performing artiste. He is currently the programme manager of the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants, working alongside UN agencies and grassroots organizations in Trinidad and Tobago to cater towards the educational, psychosocial, health and physiological needs of over 30,000 migrants and refugees. Darrion was also the chair of the CHOGM CYF taskforce responsible for executing the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022. He managed a 21-member taskforce made up of people from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The taskforce was responsible for the planning, programme development and execution of the CHOGM CYF 2022 which hosted over 500 delegate from across the globe. His work in these fields have allowed him to develop his resource mobilization skills since he has been able to raise additional money for the support of several projects. which he manages. Additionally, Darrion was the former Vice Chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement on the Commonwealth Youth Council, which serves 1.2 billion youth across the globe. His work focused on youth development, global socio-economic development and global social policy development. During his tenure he was able to launch and co-partner on several programmes. He co-founded the RACE campaign which allowed for healthy conversations around race and race relations. He was also a key founding director of the Youth Voice Matters campaign which promoted the increase in youth political participation. He holds a BSc in Psychology (Special) with a minor in Theatre Arts and a MA in Cultural Studies from the University of the West Indies (U.W.I). He is the former President of the U.W.I Guild of Students 2018/19, where he represented the students at all major university meetings and external advocacy movements and is a National Youth Award recipient for Leadership from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to this, he was a board member on the Global Coalition for Youth Employment (under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and National Service) and has served as a board member on the Chancellor’s Commission on Governance for the University of the West Indies reviewing the University’s governance structures and making recommendations for overall improvement of its systems and operations. Darrion is also a cultural advocate, poet , writer and performer. He has taught techniques in performance, public speaking drama and networking to hundreds of young people across Trinidad and Tobago. He has also done skills development training at various schools across the country and region. Furthermore, he is an actor with DCShell Theatre, a singer, a poet and a writer. He has a collection of music and poetry and has performed across the globe. He believes strongly that education is liberation, and the key to a progressive population.

Leave a comment