‘Strangers become Neighbours’ - effective integration of migrants and refugees in Switzerland
by Mike STANNETT
Recently I was able to witness how The Salvation Army in Switzerland, particularly in the Bern canton, has developed a very effective programme for the integration of refugees and migrants, blending recognised state-sponsored programmes, professional services, local Corps/church programmes and community volunteer involvement. This blend of professionalism and community and church volunteers has made for a very healthy all-round holistic approach to integrating new people in to the local community.
I visited a refugee centre in Bern that employees approximately 30 staff but has around 600 volunteers providing additional programmes and activities. A corps project for refugee children employs 60 volunteers to supplement their activities, many from the local community who want to help and welcome the new people as they settle into their new lives: ‘Strangers become neighbours’!
The basic programme consists of
- Language- communication and social interaction. How to behave in the playground or at the school gate.
- Work – education and employment advice, work fare, Job search, accommodation search, employment in Salvation Army garden centre
- Culture- Information and counselling, integration classes, how to live in a Swiss apartment, how to use a western kitchen etc.
All of these activities can be done at a local corps.
‘We provide their first home far from their home country’
One corps has half their building for church activities, the other half for professional integration activities, helping to educate children and prepare them for Swiss school during the day time. They also help adults navigate their way through the system. Once a week in the evening, migrant families and individuals come from all over the city to the corps for an evening of sharing, coffee, getting to know each other, making traditional dishes to share with each other from different cultures. For those who feel comfortable there is the opportunity for prayer. But most of all it is about self-help and making new friends with the local community as well as people facing the same transitions. This is a wonderful example of Corps working alongside the Salvation Army’s professional services. It also has a real buzz about it.
‘Migration happens – let us use the opportunity ‘
Another corps has built up a successful outreach to the Roma community. Each morning a Roma beggar would sit outside on the pavement near the Army hall. The corps Officer would give him a cup of coffee and thus started a relationship with the Roma community. 60 Roma now come for a meal and most also come along on Sunday for worship.
Sans papier – Without papers
The situation of undocumented migrants is becoming a big issue throughout Europe, where the refusals of asylum claims are high. Even in Switzerland there are only limited possibilities for free humanitarian aid and the authorities have to look the other way until the law is changed not to restrict or penalise those who give aid regardless of legal status.
‘Society is more important than we are, (the professionals), as they must also be engaged in these questions of refugees and migrants. When opening a centre, it normally takes about a year to win over the local population. Initially there is opposition but with good communication they often end up friends. It brings economic benefits to the local community that will be missed when or if the centre closes.’ (Staff member in The Salvation Army centre).
When I met with staff, volunteers, the refugees and migrants, I was impressed and moved by the relationships that seemed to exist between them all of mutual respect and friendship. This is The Salvation Army, providing hope, transforming lives, and serving God!
Tags: Europe