My advice to all women is to raise awareness and mindfulness, to speak openly about the issue, and to develop a collective consciousness. The more we talk about it, the greater the hope for increased understanding of the topic. – Mahnaz Shahid
Thirty years ago, Mahnaz Shahid´s family took the courageous step of moving to Switzerland when she was just 8 years old. Alongside her family, she fled her homeland and made a stopover in Vietnam. Her father, a diplomat, had to travel to Vietnam for work, and the family decided to accompany him. Initially, their plan was to return home, but when war broke out and her father’s life was threatened, they made the difficult decision not to go back. Instead, they embarked on a journey to Switzerland, aided by a visa and the support of acquaintances.
Today, 30 years later, Mahnaz is 38 years old and has found a new home in Switzerland. She is living here with her two daughters, cherishing life and reflecting on her eventful past that has shaped and strengthened her. In this blog post, I want to share her inspiring story and provide you with a glimpse into her life in Switzerland.
Tell me more about yourself and your journey to Switzerland.
The journey was actually from Vietnam directly to Switzerland by plane. We lived in Vietnam for three years, and in 1993, we arrived in Switzerland. It was a relatively smooth journey compared to the others. However, one issue is that I can’t remember many details, especially the positive aspects. Initially, we stayed with acquaintances in Geneva and registered as refugees there. Later, we were assigned to Luzern. In Luzern, we lived in Sonnenhof Emmenbrücke – five people in one room, and it was very small. After that, we shared an apartment with another Afghan family. That was essentially the beginning. I started in the first grade initially, but within two weeks, I was moved to the second grade. I quickly learned German, as I am generally good with languages.
What was your first impression of Switzerland? And now, how do you perceive Switzerland?
My initial impression of Switzerland was positive. As I mentioned before, I can’t remember everything clearly, as we moved around to various places, refugee shelters, and a small shared apartment. After 1-2 years, we finally got our own apartment in Werthenstein, Lucerne. It was our first real home. We were able to settle in well – my father had a car, and we could go to school. We lived there for quite some time and even made friends with our neighbors, who became like family to us. These experiences were naturally very beautiful. We lived in a peaceful, picturesque location, surrounded by nature. My siblings – a sister and a brother – and I spent a lot of time playing outdoors. My childhood was wonderful, and I genuinely enjoyed going to school, attending the second and third grades there. I didn’t have any negative experiences. Of course, people would sometimes look at me differently because of my dark hair, but I can’t recall any instances of racism.
Today, my impression remains the same. Naturally, there are good and bad people, or those who are more accepting and those who are less so. Even if you integrate well and adapt, some individuals may still treat you with skepticism and not fully accept you. Until I reached university, I didn’t experience any racism or feelings of exclusion. However, during my studies, I did encounter it. I felt like a second-class citizen – Swiss students were always given priority, and they also received better grades. Unfortunately, that was my experience during university. While we learned that we should not make distinctions, we still faced such situations. Nevertheless, my overall impression of Switzerland is that we live in a good country, with a high quality of life – it’s a matter of mindset. I am grateful to live here in Switzerland and have the opportunity to build a life for myself.
Despite my father’s visa application being denied in Vietnam for America, he now sees it as a blessing in disguise. Coming to this country, he made the best decision of his life, and he is grateful for the journey that brought us here. The moral of the story is that sometimes, the doors that close lead us to the right path. – Mahnaz Shahid
What was the most challenging moment in your life as a refugee in Switzerland, and how did you overcome it? What advice would you give to other women facing similar difficulties?
In the past, there was less support available, but today there are many opportunities for refugees. The most challenging aspect for me was establishing a sense of home here. I returned to Afghanistan twice, in 2007 and 2010, and on both occasions, I felt like a foreigner and did not belong. For the most part, I felt at home in Switzerland until a few years ago. However, my experience during my studies made me feel like an outsider. Nevertheless, in my daily life, I don’t dwell on those feelings because I simply don’t have the time to overthink them. My advice to all women is to raise awareness and mindfulness, to speak openly about the issue, and to develop a collective consciousness. The more we talk about it, the greater the hope for increased understanding of the topic. – Mahnaz Shahid
What do you do professionally?
I trained as a bank clerk and worked in the banking industry for several years. However, when I had children, I wanted to make a career change. Even though I had started studying educational sciences before, I paused for a year. After having children, I realized that it was better for me. After a long period in banking, I resumed my studies as a mother and successfully completed them. Currently, I teach at a primary school and also work on-call at a bank because I enjoyed my work there. I mainly worked at the bank alongside my studies and then had the opportunity to continue assisting them on-call.
What challenges did you encounter while searching for jobs in Switzerland, and what advice do you have for others facing similar circumstances?
As a teacher, finding employment in Switzerland is relatively straightforward due to the shortage of teachers. As I pursued employment opportunities in the banking sector, specifically as a clerk for international companies, I encountered even greater challenges in my job search. In such situations, excelling in school becomes crucial, and it’s a value I also instill in my students. Currently, I’m working with Afghan refugees, emphasizing the importance of education, which can greatly enhance one’s life. Actively seeking opportunities is essential, and international companies can provide excellent prospects for growth. Moreover, dedicating oneself to learning the local language is vital as it serves as the key to success.
How did you build networks in Switzerland, and what advice would you give to other migrants who also want to integrate?
I built my networks through various job opportunities, which allowed me to meet new people. I am an open-minded person, and I believe that Afghans, in general, are very open as well. My advice to everyone is to be open, approach people, strive for opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when something is unclear. This will help you grow stronger. Active participation in associations or clubs is also beneficial for building networks. For example, learning to play a musical instrument or joining a sports team can introduce you to new people. Nowadays, there are many opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, which can contribute to building a diverse and international network.
How have you utilized your talents and abilities to assist other refugees and migrants in Switzerland?
Through my parents, we have always been involved with refugees in some way. About 15 years ago, my father provided his contact information to refugee shelters, offering his support as a driver and in other areas. I am also involved in this work. Whenever I come across Afghan individuals and learn that they are refugees, I am always there for them, offering support. This assistance can be as simple as providing information or offering language assistance. One initiative that anyone can join is “Hello Welcome” in Luzern, where you can teach or learn German. If you have German language skills and some teaching experience, you can register there and start teaching. I used to go there during my studies. Word has spread about my willingness to help, so people approach me when they need assistance with their children’s schoolwork, parent-teacher meetings, or when a new refugee student arrives at the school.
Currently, we have a case of a girl who came from Croatia with her family, and there is a teacher who advocates for her. They are afraid to return and face possible deportation, as many families from Croatia who came to Switzerland with them have already been deported. In such cases, I offer my help by providing translation services, arranging activities such as yoga or swimming, and helping them read reports. I am committed to supporting them in any way I can.
This is the story of Narges, and I want to take this opportunity to share the video with all of you. The video offers a critical look at the Swiss refugee system through the experiences of the 16-year-old student from Afghanistan. Narges shares her journey and the path she and her family took as Afghan refugees. Narges aspires to become a heart surgeon, and her story is deeply moving and emotional, as she may face the possibility of being sent back to Croatia with her family. She has endured a turbulent life and longs to find a home in Switzerland. Please help her by sharing the video within your circles, and I hope that together we can assist Narges and her family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKiH9rtr_0o
What is your vision for the future, and what do you hope to achieve in order to support your community and other migrants in Switzerland?
There are many organizations that provide assistance, such as Caritas, the Social Welfare Office, Contact Luzern, and Hello Welcome. There are also private entities and universities that offer courses or aid. For example, at the university, there is a project called PH-Projekt, where students accompany and mentor children. Every two months, there is an excursion, and there is a budget allocated for it. It’s great to be able to inform parents about the support available to them. Activities like hiking, baking, crafting, swimming, or outings can be organized. Personally, I am working on setting up a similar initiative privately to provide relief to Afghan parents. Parents also need support and respite.
The internet is a valuable resource where one can find many opportunities. For families who cannot afford holidays, there is Reka Ferien, where you can apply for a week-long vacation. It’s wonderful to give such families the chance to have a holiday.
Social media and associations are also effective in reaching out to people. In the future, I envision a platform dedicated to educating children and parents in schools about refugee policies and the issues that directly impact them. By sharing stories, such as the inspiring case of the girls in my school who courageously overcame significant obstacles with their family of five, we can foster understanding and empathy. – Mahnaz Shahid
An ideal platform would provide a space for the sharing and accessibility of information, offering valuable insights into the lives of refugees, their journeys, the support they receive in Switzerland, their rights, and the treatment they experience. Awareness plays a pivotal role, and individuals with the willingness and resources to help can make a difference by engaging in volunteer opportunities.
Final Message:
From my refugee experiences in Switzerland, I’ve learned the value of openness, resilience, and education. I’ve used my skills to support fellow refugees through language assistance, teaching, and networking. My vision is to empower my community, raise awareness about refugee realities, and foster inclusivity. I urge everyone to build networks, seek opportunities, and advocate for understanding and support. Together, we can create a future where acceptance and dreams are within reach for all.
