Refugees and host communities need an organisation that is willing to do things differently. HOST International is that organisation.
Rather than focusing primarily on humanitarian aid or welfare for refugees, we enable displaced people, and the communities they live in temporarily, to develop and implement their own practical solutions to their circumstances.
Our holistic approach increases the opportunity for refugees and other displaced people to better their lives during their journey from crisis to protection. This approach also develops the capacity of host communities to live and work with displaced people.
With over 100 employees, HOST International currently assists people and the communities they live in across the Asia Pacific Region; predominately in New Zealand, South East Asia, Australia and Nauru.
HOST International was founded in December 2016 with the vision of fostering humanity, hope and dignity for all.
What we do
Provide expert community integration services;
Respectfully develop the capacity of local community through mentoring, training and collaboration;
Develop pathways to education and employment for displaced people;
Invest in innovation that supports the protection of people and communities
Employment
We believe that employment is critical for refugees to achieve self-reliance and retain a sense of dignity and hope.
Research and other evidence show that there are significant economic and social benefits that come from the employment of refugees, other displaced people, and migrants in host communities.
Where appropriate, HOST endeavours to help host communities and their governments find and implement mutually beneficial pathways to employment for displaced people.
In New Zealand, HOST has partnered with Refugee Talent to deliver a platform that links skilled and qualified refugees with employers in need of those skills.
Education
UNHCR figures estimate there are over 65 million displaced people in the world, most of who will be subject to long-term displacement. More than half of these people are under the age of 18.
With such a large number of school-aged children forcibly displaced, millions of these children miss gaining an education vital to their future development and life outcomes. For this reason, HOST aims to work with communities and partner organisations on developing and supporting pathways to education for young refugees and displaced people.
HOST is a member of the Education in Emergencies Alliance through our partnership with Teach 4 Refugees.
Innovation
Initiatives such as Project Stand Up, Little Things, CandleLighters and Refugee Assets are focused on empowering displaced people and host communities to innovate and develop new models for living, working, educating and seeking protection.
We focus on initiatives that enhance the potential of displaced people and their host communities.
Respect
Respect drives our commitment to active engagement with displaced people and host communities.
Compassion
Compassion helps us cut through political and cultural distractions to identify people most in need of protection and support.
Innovation
Innovation is a vehicle for creating new possibilities. It drives critical thinking and a desire to invest in bold ideas that aim to make life better for people.
Integrity
Integrity means honesty and transparency in everything we do.
Diversity
We believe that diversity creates strength.
HOST International is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission with its head office located in Western Sydney, Australia. We have a board of volunteer directors who oversee the implementation of our vision.
