Dear reader,

The story you’re about to read is just one in millions that could be told, and it’s the first among several that I would like to share with you. I have collected them while volunteering at the Red Cross centre for migrants and refugees in Geneva. Every day at the centre tens of young men, both refugees and asylum seekers, receive support from volunteers whether with improving their French, with creating a CV or just by finding someone to talk to. It is also a place where they can gather with people of their same nationality and feel less lonely. Most of them come from countries like Eritrea, Syria and Afghanistan, but there are also some from central Africa, Iranians and Iraqis. Collecting these stories has involved careful listening and putting them down on paper. I know that this means of telling these stories is not as effective as it would be if it were coming directly from the refugees/asylum seekers themselves but I will do my best to be accurate and hope to have your attention for the short time necessary to read these stories. I also want to add that these stories won’t be impartial, objective reports but I will be sharing my views and personal reactions to them. If you feel like it, you are more than welcome to leave a comment or ask a question related to the story; this page is not meant to be static collection of stories but rather a platform to stimulate discussion and view-sharing. My ultimate goal in launching this blog is, firstly, to spread awareness, especially among young people from this generation, who will have to deal with the consequences of the displacement of more than 6 million people since 2015 fleeing from war, famine and persecutions. Secondly, these stories are meant to encourage reflection, dialogue, and the creation of innovative solutions to improve the process of integration.

While many initiatives already exist that have been launched by NGOs, local communities, and individuals; this shouldn’t prevent us from taking action in an attempt to make a small difference on our own. Everybody can contribute to make this world a better place.

Thank you for dedicating a moment of your busy day to my project. I hope that you’ll find it helpful in analysing the present situation from another perspective and allow you to appreciate more the comforts and opportunities in our society.

All the best,

Martina