The Customary once in two years Partners Round table was held at the Holy Cross conference room on 20th and 21st of February 2009. The objective of the meet was to provide an overview of the current status & progress of OfERR’s work.

The conflict in the Island (Ceylon) has gained considerable momentum over the last few months. With the increase in the hostilities, there are fall outs for the Sri Lankan Tamils both in the Island as well as those who have fled to India. OfERR’s work in India as well as Ceylon has thus gained increased significance. It is in the backdrop of these events OfERR hosted the Partners meet to review the work which has been done, assess the current needs, strengthen commitments and make new ones (with partners) and chart out the future course of action. 

During the Partners Meeting which was held on the 20th and 21st of February 2009 the work done by OfERR distributed into 7 complimentary units (Health, Developing Infrastructure, Advocacy, Meeting of basic needs, Education, and Capacity Building) was made known through the various presentations.. These presentations highlighted the fact that OfERR has modelled its approach on the Capability Approach put forward by Amartya Sen. This approach to human well-being emphasises the importance of freedom of choice, individual heterogeneity and the multi-dimensional nature of welfare.

OfERR’s work has been made possible by the dedication of its staff, a significant majority of whom are refugees themselves. OfERR is constantly thankful to Indian Government (central and state) and the various partners - Church of Sweden, Christian Aid, PWRDF, Danish Refugee Council, Catholic Relied Service, Dan Church Aid, National Council of Churches in Australia, ECHO, KIOS, Give to Asia and ESP. Members from the mentioned Governmental and Non- Governmental Organizations were present for the partners meet to discuss the future direction of OfERR and its work.

The Partners Meet was held over a period of 2 days. The following Newsletters take us through the proceedings of the same.

Partners Round Table Newsletter 1

Partners Round Table Newsletter 2