Our History
The Story of Tent
The Tent Partnership for Refugees was founded by Hamdi Ulukaya. As founder and CEO of Chobani, and an active donor to humanitarian organizations, Hamdi launched Tent because he believes the private sector is uniquely positioned to address the refugee crisis by mobilizing the networks, resources, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the business community.
"One of the world’s most disturbing trends has been the shocking increase in the number of people driven from their homes by conflict and other calamities. How we respond to this global humanitarian crisis may well be one of the defining challenges of our generation."
Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder of the Tent Partnership
Our Approach
Tent works closely with businesses to help them identify and understand opportunities to help refugees. When companies are ready to take concrete actions, Tent works closely with them to develop and implement tangible commitments to support refugees. We believe that companies have the greatest impact when they treat refugees not as victims, but as economically-productive workers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and customers — and when they leverage their core business operations to hire refugees, integrate them into supply chains, support refugee entrepreneurs, and deliver services to them.
Pearson is helping Syrian refugees & children living in host communities improve academics & build resilience. Working with refugee children, Pearson developed an engaging math learning app. The pilot will reach nearly 4,000 people, primarily students grades 4-6, over the next two years.
Service Delivery
“We want to help refugees in Europe beyond the immediate emergency. The idea is to help them secure a decent life for themselves and their families through work. We will do this by supporting those who have the skills and the mindset to create their own business and become entrepreneurs. This is a key priority for Generali and The Human Safety Net.”
Philippe Donnet, CEO, Generali Group
Generali, through the Human Safety Net, is empowering refugees to set up 500 new businesses by 2020. Starting in Germany and France, refugees can access a competitive 6-8 month program of incubation, training and funding to equip them with the skills, resources and tools for becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship
“We know refugees leave many things behind when fleeing to a new country, but they bring with them aspirations, skills and talent. This program not only offers refugees new career opportunities and job training, it provides IKEA with the possibility to discover and recruit new talent, expand our diverse co-worker base and contribute to our role in creating a positive impact on the local community.”
Marsha Smith, President, IKEA Canada
IKEA Canada is launching a national refugee employment initiative to help refugees join the workforce, develop new skills and integrate into communities across the country. The program will see the company hire 250 refugees within three years. IKEA will also collaborate with local community partners to support language training and career counseling post-hire.
Hiring & Supply Chains