ODA SUPPORT TO CHILEAN REFUGEES
From 1974-1985 WUS (UK) administered a refugee scholarship programme which enabled 940 Chilean students to study at universities and colleges in Britain.
During 1984/85 the ODA assisted the return of Chilean exiles by contributing to a programme of Return Grants.
Last year 1985/86, this programme was squeezed out due to lack of funds. This is a good, coherent and economical programme and deserves continued support.
Chile over the last few years has witnessed a curious phenomenon; the return of significant numbers of refugees before any change in the political situation which necessitated their exit. Estimated numbers of returnees for the last couple of years have stood at around 700.
This unusual phenomenon in the refugee world is due in part to a relaxing of prohibition orders by the military government and in part to the determination of people who are prepared to face the difficult economic and political situation in Chile.
Since 1977 the ODA, as part of its support to Chilean scholars in exile, has supported a Reorientation Programme through WUS and in 1984/85 generously agreed to a grant of £75,000 to finance one year grants to support people wishing to return.
These grants, which form part of an international programme administered by WUS Chile, were heavily oversubscribed with something like 70 applicants for the 25 places. Unfortunately, due to funding restrictions ODA was unable to renew the grant for 1985/86 and we are now applying for its reinstatement for 1986/87.
The grants programme is structured to provide a useful first year back for returnees and to provide them with the tools to reinsert themselves into Chilean society. Applicants are expected to present a project of work or study and to find a receiving institution to take them on and supervise their work. This structure requires a high level of individual initiative from applicants and evaluations of the programme have shown that subsequent insertion in Chile is on the whole very successful.
Many refugees must necessarily find their own way back to Chile and several are doing so with the advice of the WUS Reorientation Programme. However, for those who lack the resources, this programme offers an important form of assistance to those with initiative and determination.
The Return Grants Programme has been run by WUS since 1979 with funding initially from SIDA, the Swedish aid agency and latterly from DANIDA in Denmark. Refugees returning from Britain have formed an association which seeks to offer mutual assistance and maintain links with Britain through the British Council and the British Embassy in Santiago.
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