concept: ''needs and feelings''

workshop April 2010

In seeking answers to my Research objectives and questions, I will try to give a voice to the refugees,

 thus enabling them share their own experiences and tell as much of their own stories as possible. This I will endeavor to do by using as much of their own narratives as space would allow, as the basis for analysis. Without essentialising their voices as if it was all that matters, doing this will, at least, help to throw some light on their problems and solutions as they perceive it. This will hopefully help to tell and re-write their stories “from below”.

So, inspite of the desire to spoon-feed these as hapless victims, refugees often reveal an extraordinary ability to face new situations and to take advantage of opportunities, if only they are offered the possibility of doing so (ibid.). As every individual does, I believe they are not automatic losers but do have resources which, given the right assistance, could be developed. This has amply been demonstrated in the case or the Liberian refugees who for five years of UNHCR’s complete withdrawal, had to survive on their own and did just that.