Introduction of the Chapter

As volunteers working with and supporting people on the move, we believe it is essential to critically engage with structural racism, Eurocentrism, White Saviourism and paternalism. Don’t be discouraged by the terminology — you do not need to be familiar with these concepts yet. Go through the next pages to read a definition and learn why they matter in this context.

Some parts of this unit — especially sections like “What does this mean for you and your work with people on the move?” — are aimed particularly at privileged people from the Global North who have not experienced racism themselves and who are not directly impacted by border politics.