Who are we?
Our observation
Many obstacles to the integration of refugees in France persist: hostile public opinion tinged with fear and prejudice, social exclusion and discrimination, language barriers, non-recognition of diplomas and professional experience acquired in the country of origin, lack of professional network, etc. According to several studies, only 12% of refugees have a social link with a French citizen.
This social and economic isolation has many negative impacts on the mental health of refugees. Hyper vigilance, anxiety, depression, somatic pain, all symptoms resulting from the insecurity linked to the refugee status and the difficulty to integrate socially and professionally into the host country.
Refugees in the French Alps are no exception to this observation and have little contact with the local population. Coming mainly from African, Central Asian or Middle Eastern countries, they are unfamiliar with the mountain world that gives rhythm to life in the region, which makes their integration into their new environment even more complex.
Our vision
Born from a citizen's movement in the French alps, the YAMBI association aims to build ties between refugees and the local population through mountain sports. In accordance with the United Nations, which recognize sports as a factor of social integration, we believe that the shared practice of mountain sports can :
- Help deconstruct prejudices and highlight the benefits of collaboration, living together and cultural enrichment;
- Help refugees overcome the ordeal of asylum and strengthen their self-esteem, self-confidence, thirst for success, and desire to integrate into their host society.
This approach is based on the therapeutic and convivial dimension of recreational sports as well as the strength of the symbolic parallel between the effort required to climb a mountain and the difficulty of the path towards integration into a host society. The promotion of solidarity, benevolence and multiculturalism are among our core principles.
Inclusive, YAMBI seeks to directly involve refugees in the organization and management of the life of the organization.
Our actions
Mountain outings
Weekly organization of mountain outings for refugees accompanied by locals and volunteer guides. Activities include: hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, sailing, etc.
These outings are privileged encounters during which refugees can build relationships with locals, escape their daily worries, practice French, discover elements of the local history, culture, and environment of their host society, and learn the basics for an independent practice of mountain sports.
Production of awareness-raising materials
The mountain outings are documented by photos and videos to keep track of these human and sports experiences and share them on digital platforms, in an effort to raise public awareness and deconstruct prejudices about asylum.
From sports to socio-professional support
Once their foot back in the saddle thanks to the benefits of mountain outings, YAMBI then help refugees to become more autonomous in France by accompanying them in their socio-professional projects.
Direct collaboration and co-production between refugee professionals and French citizens
In order to enhance the professional skills of refugees and facilitate their economic integration, YAMBI works as much as possible with mixed teams of local and refugee professionals in various fields such as graphic design, photography, video, etc.
In this way, we promote dialogue and the exchange of professional skills between newcomers and the host society.