Abstract
We examine the experiences of sponsors who assisted Kosovar refugees in Northern Alberta. Although the sponsors of the Kosovars did not provide basic financial support to the refugees, many found their role to be onerous, particularly in terms of emotional investment and demands on their time. They would have liked more opportunity to debrief and to have contact with other experienced sponsors. Some of the sponsors' initial expectations of the Kosovars were at odds with reality; conversely, many sponsors felt that the refugees had unrealistic expectations of them and of life in Canada. Recommendations are made for future sponsoring arrangements.
Résumé
Cet article porte sur les expériences des parrains qui ont aidé les réfugiés kosovars dans le nord de l'Alberta. Bien que les parrains des Kosovars ne leur aient pas fourni un appui financier de base, plusieurs d'entre eux ont trouvé que leur rôle était exigeant, particulièrement sur les plans de l'implication affective et les contraintes imposées sur leur emploi du temps. Les parrains auraient apprécié plus d'occasions pour débreffer et des contacts avec des parrains expérimentés. Les attentes initiales de la part de certains parrains ne cadraient pas avec la réalité; réciproquement, plusieurs parrains étaient d'avis que les attentes des réfugiés par rapport à leurs répondants et à la vie au Canada étaient chimériques. On présente des recommandations pour l'avenir qui touchent les mesures afférentes au parrainage.
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Derwing, T.M., Mulder, M. The Kosovar sponsoring experience in Northern Alberta. Int. Migration & Integration 4, 217–236 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-003-1034-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-003-1034-y