Psychosocial support activities and their significance in times of COVID-19 pandemic

In seven reception and asylum centers in Serbia, in spite of the overall situation, psychosocial support workshops are regularly held. In safe and secure spaces, respecting epidemiological regulations, children, young and old, regardless of age or country of origin, learn, develop and express themselves together. The workshops are diverse in type and purpose and are adjusted to the conditions and aspirations of migrants in each respective center.

Sewing workshops in the reception centers Adasevci and Sombor, as well as in the Asylum Center in Krnjaca, are places where migrants can practice their traditional weaving and sewing ethos, as well as to enrich their creative expression through learning with facilitators. During the pandemic, sewing workshops have evolved and were given a new role in combatting the COVID-19 virus. Migrants are dedicatedly making protective masks for their friends and neighbors with whom they share time and space during the pandemic.

The IT corner in Preševo ​​is considered by migrants as a relaxing zone where they can enjoy the benefits of the Internet, bond with their remote families, and gain valuable knowledge that they might utilize in the future.

Depending on weather conditions, sports or creative skills workshops are held daily at the Sid Reception Center. Here, children and youth get acquainted with the basics of football and volleyball, drawing and creative thinking in an accessible and contemporary way. Every day, some ten children and young people, in a pleasant and safe space, learn and overcome new obstacles with the active support of skilled staff.

The Asylum Center in Sjenica is a temporary home for more than 20 unaccompanied minors. Various activities were designed for them as well. The hairdressing workshop has been very well attended, becoming an inexhaustible avenue for exploration and self-expression.

There is a special ambiance in the carpentry workshop in the Obrenovac Reception Center. In a diverse rhythm of oriental and blues tones, all kinds of objects are created and repaired. Music and joyfulness are woven into every, often somewhat asymmetrical object. Now, as throughout the world, the atmosphere is less relaxed and all participants are attentive to the Covid prevention measures, but the spirit of the workshops survives.

Psychosocial support activities are organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, under the EU Support to Migration Management in Serbia – including addressing challenges during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. More about concrete activities can be read here.