World Refugee Day 2020
“World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.” Source: UNHCR
This year’s World Refugee Day is no less important than any other day. And yet, it comes at a moment that is critical beyond measure.
In the midst of a pandemic that has amplified systemic racial inequalities and the exclusivity of global wealth and access to capital, Sitti is reflecting on our impact within the refugee community and how we’re moving towards our goals of greater inclusivity and self-reliance through fair and equitable work opportunities.
Join Us Now and #StepWithRefugees
Sitti Social Enterprise bridges the gap between refugees and access to economies, consumers, and resources. When refugees work with us, they are able to provide for their families and support their larger communities. It is an amazing cycle of support that you, our customers, are a vital part of. Every time you buy products from Sitti, you are directly supporting a refugee and, consequently, a more inclusive global economy. When you become a part of our cycle of support, you are helping us lessen the burden of poverty faced by those in the Jerash Camp.
This World Refugee Day, we have partnered with UNHCR and Work+Shelter to maximize our support for refugee and marginalized communities. Pre-Order one of our limited edition t-shirts, and your purchase will:
- Create fair and equitable work opportunities for the refugee community. Every purchase directly supports all Sitti employees, their families and the greater the Jerash Refugee Camp community.
- Provide resource support to UNHCR’s mission for an inclusive world. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to UNHCR in support of refugee communities worldwide.
- Support an inclusive, global economy. Our limited edition t-shirts are produced in partnership with Work+Shelter, which “combines ethical and fair-trade labor practices with sustainably sourced materials.”
This is the era of the conscious consumer. More than ever before, consumers want to know that their purchases make an impact. When you make a purchase from Sitti, you can be sure you are supporting ethical and sustainable employment opportunities for refugee communities.
What Does Impact Look Like?
Our social enterprise model is dependent on our ability to grow and innovate. And, while our work over the years has changed the lives of refugees for the better, we could not have done it without the continuous support of our customers. Thanks to you, we accomplished so much in 2019 and during the first half of 2020.
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We produced and sold more than 18,300 bars of soap in our workshop in Jerash Camp.
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661 women have participated in over 2,700 combined hours of learning and skill set development through our educational programming and partners, including artisan soap-making, and English language training and photography.
- 38 women and men in Jerash Refugee Camp found long-term, fair wage employment with Sitti
- 174 refugee families, including all Sitti employees, received emergent relief kits (food, cleaning supplies and soap) within the first days and weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.
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We worked with conscious corporate and organizational partners such as Audi Middle East, University of Toronto, SAP, Peace by Piece, and Gifts for Good.
- We also worked with conscious consumers on a one-to-one basis to create customized gifts for their friends and families for birthdays, holidays, and weddings.
Through our mission and continued impact, Sitti is advancing the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
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Quality Education: Education is a cornerstone to our work with refugee communities. We host professional development workshops, book clubs and offer apprenticeship opportunities at our soap workshop.
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Gender Equality: We hire based on a willingness to work and learn new skills. Our workers are treated fairly and equitably.
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Decent Work and Economic Growth: We pay all of our employees a fair wage and are focused on growing in a responsible and sustainable way. Our workplace is safe and we provide any tools or supplies our employees might need to protect themselves.
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Sustainable Cities and Communities: Sitti products are produced in a responsible and sustainable way. We track water and electricity usage, and we avoid waste at all costs.
While we’ve accomplished so much, our work is not done. Help us continue to grow and scale, to build an inclusive world through employment.
Join us on this World Refugee Day in honoring and supporting the self-reliance of refugees through employment.
If you have questions, send us an email at help@sittisoap.com.
Sitti is a conscious lifestyle brand committed to the self-reliance of refugee and displaced communities through long-term employment opportunities and skill development training, empowered by a global market of conscious consumers.
Written by: Jacqueline Sofia and Mona Beydoun