INTEGRATION: THE CHALLENGE OF DIVERSITY

After Paris, Lyon, Nantes and Strasbourg, it is now the turn of Bordeaux and Lille. In the capital of the Hauts-deFrance region, the Lille branch of the Singa association, which specialises in helping new arrivals, has launched an incubator designed to support those amongst them who are looking to set up their own business. The aim is to contribute to the economic dynamism of the region, of course, but also to change the way people look at migrants, explains Marie Patfoort, the NGO’s Lille entrepreneurship coordinator.

WHAT ARE SINGA’S OBJECTIVES?

Ten years ago, its founders* were interested by an observation made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): in France, only 12% of those who arrive on our territory are in contact with people other than social services specialists. Singa’s philosophy is that their integration depends on strengthening the links between them and the rest of the population. Historically, the NGO offered artistic, linguistic and sporting events designed to break down barriers and prejudices. These activities continue, but since then Singa has also turned its attention to the issue of economic integration by supporting potential entrepreneurs who have decided to create their own businesses in France. By helping them develop their skills and bring their projects to life, Singa aims to help them reveal their talents and at the same time promote economic activity in the regions.

THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, DO YOU WISH TO CHANGE THE SOMETIMES NEGATIVE IMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THESE NEWCOMERS?

The collective imagination too often associates the word «migrant» with humanitarian costs or security issues. One of our aims is to counter this «us» versus «them» narrative by demonstrating that newcomers are a factor of mutual enrichment, social innovation and economic dynamism.

#TO CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION contactlille@singa.fr

#TO FIND OUT MORE www.singafrance.com

#FACEBOOK https : //www.facebook.com/SingaLille/

#INSTAGRAM @singa_lille

#LINKEDIN https : //www.linkedin.com/company/singa-lille/