REST is an EU project whose primary purpose is through training, coaching and counseling, to help companies identify the potential of refugees by providing them with employment, overcoming limiting beliefs and prejudices related to different cultures and religions, being more tolerant and accepting. The project also had a positive economic impact for both parties: opening new niches on the labour market, and providing financial independence for refugees who chose to remain in their host country.

Рўhe Employers looking for different opportunities to expand their teams, where CATRO supported 48 companies from sectors such as trade, construction, manufacturing. The RefugeesРІР‚в„ў job seekers who have participated in the organised career forums with the help of our partners UNHCR and Caritas.

REST was a 2-year project (2017-2019), during which we have organised 4 trainings for employers and 2 career forums. To ensure the sustainability, we continued to support employers in the recruitment process of refugees, by participating in the organisation of another 2 career forums.

The main activities of the project: - Research upon the needs and interests of employers - Development of training materials tailored to their needs and interests - Conduction of 4 trainings on topics related to the administrative and legal framework for refugees’ employment, recruitment and onboarding, mentoring, easy language learning and dealing with intercultural differences. In addition, CATRO together with its partners in Bulgaria, organised career forums for employers so that they can meet refugees who fit their job requirements. They were organised in the locations with the highest concentration of refugees - Sofia and Harmanli. CATRO also provided coaching support to all interested employers related to the challenges they encountered in the recruitment and onboarding process. As a result, UNHCR commissioned CATRO to conduct a large-scale study of the employment opportunities for refugees in different economic sectors and regions in Bulgaria, published in BG and EN.

Through partnerships with leading organisations in the field, we have been able to provide comprehensive support to employers that meets their needs and has helped to overcome the barriers in the refugees’ integration.2 companies were awarded the International REST Award (supported by UNHCR) for their tolerant and welcoming organisational culture.Most importantly, we were able to inspire a new spark for all refugees hired, with 2 of the most exciting stories to be found on CATRO Youtube channel.