Recorded presentation

Karen D. Solheim, RN, PhD, Global Health Leadership Office, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, 845 South Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-413-7476, ksolheim@uic.edu

There are at least 20 million forcibly displaced persons, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) throughout the world. (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2003). Internally displaced persons often receive services, such as health care and education, from nongovernmental organizations (NGO); NGOs commonly hire IDPs and refugees to deliver services. Although NGO practices are researched, beneficiaries’ perspective is studied infrequently. This qualitative case study describes work-based relational patterns between an NGO, the American Refugee Committee (ARC), its field staff and IDP staff from the perspective of former IDPs. The case took place in Site II South Camp at the Thai-Cambodian border between 1979 and 1993 where ARC delivered health services. In-depth interviews were conducted with former IDP staff (N=16) in Cambodia and the US. Data are being analyzed using a systematic process of content analysis guided by a conceptual framework about relationships as they occur in communities of people. Results will describe IDP experience with NGO training and employment and their view about NGO philosophy, access to employment and power between groups. The impact of employment on their lives and livelihood after repatriation to Cambodia or resettlement in the US will be described. Gaining IDP staff perspective is significant because they have little choice about their quality of life and work experience while living in refuge. Increased understanding of IDP experience in a long-term work relationship can offer insight for people involved in similar endeavors allowing them to craft work environments that are especially life enhancing.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Describe key elements of internally displaced persons (IDPs) employment experience with an NGO.
• Explain how IDPs’ camp employment experience impacts their future lives and livelihood.
• Discuss the implications of study findings for other NGO/IDP work endeavors.

Keywords: Refugees, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The American Refugee committee will be named. The organization consented to this.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation