Refugees and asylum seekers in transition countries are stuck for many years with no identity, bank accounts, work permits, job prospects and with a lot of uncertainty in their lives. They lack identity, a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose and often live in hopelessness.

This leads to mental and physical health problems at present as well as well into the future. (E.g. Documented cases of poor health affecting people from being denied entry to resettlement countries even after approval).

Project ‘I AM’ is a Research 4 Development project that aims to test the feasibility of using Blockchain Technology to empower refugee groups. Starting with a gap assessment with refugee groups and asylum seekers in Indonesia, and eventually organizing skill training to empower them to be able to do digital nomad jobs, and perhaps help them get paid in cryptocurrencies or alternate banking systems, and create digital IDs.
This is important for two reason: it’s beneficial because providing a job is the most important intervention for any human being and it empowers a person on so many levels, economically and mentally as well. Secondly, when the refugee groups eventually get to their country of final destination, they have some thing to start their lives with.
We also want to see if it can reduce the burden on transition countries in caring for refugees and perhaps start a fresh debate on handling refugee situations.

We operate on a ‘Development’ not ‘Charity’ model, where we see refugees and asylum seekers as development partners who need simple solutions that can help them take charge of their own lives. This has been our model with farmers, women’s groups and other NGOs that we work with in Asia and Africa.

Project: ‘I AM’ – The reason someone is alive is reason enough for them to have a job, respect, be loved, cherished and have the ability to improve themselves. Not having an identity should not deny them this. This is the philosophy behind this initiative.