Volunteer work based on own experience

Pinar and her husband came to Switzerland from Turkey in 2017. At the beginning, it was challenging. By taking a German course and later working as a volunteer, she found her place and now wishes to help other refugees.

Pinar, you've worked as a volunteer for Mazay for several years. How did this come about? 

When I was new in Switzerland, I often asked myself: What can I do here? Everything was foreign – the country, the culture, the people. In the asylum centre we didn’t get any orientation at first, so I started to teach myself German with YouTube videos. Six months later, I met Dominik. He founded the Mazay association in order to offer German lessons to refugees aged 25 and older who are not entitled to language courses. At the recommendation of my centre managers, I started the German course with Mazay.  It lasted six months, every day from 8 until noon, and then we ate together. It was more than just a lesson – it was a meeting place. Dominik's friends often came by too, and so my social network grew. At the end of the course, I still had my N permit. With this permit you have nothing!

That’s why I didn’t want to just quit Mazay. Then I had the idea that I could help as a volunteer classroom assistant. We soon realized that many refugees need support not only with learning German but also with daily life. Many of them have problems because of their own history as a refugee or because they have to wait a long time for a decision on their asylum application. So we started to organize other projects and events. I provided everyday support and now I’m the President of the Mazay association and coordinate extra tuition.

What motivates your commitment? 

I’m a refugee and I’m a foreigner in Switzerland. I know what challenges people in this situation face. For me, at first it was the language and getting used to living in a new society. Learning German was my biggest challenge. I always thought: “If I learn German, all my problems will be solved!” But that wasn't the case. I learned German, and then the next problem arose. Then I thought, when I get the decision from SEM (Swiss Secretariat for Migration), my problems will be gone. But then I faced the challenge of finding a job. The question of what possibilities people with a migration history have in Switzerland is often a big and a difficult one. Especially if they didn’t have a clearly defined profession in their home country, it’s not easy to get started here. That’s why I work as a volunteer – because I had to go through this myself and know how important support is.

You came to Switzerland as a refugee. What support did you get?

I had a very good experience. For instance, our social worker in the asylum centre was very committed and really wanted to help us. She saw that we were motivated and were looking for something but that we were also very unsure at the same time. We felt as though we were in a huge ocean, swimming around with no destination. We also received support when looking for a flat. For us, it was important that we could ask questions and also show that we are willing to work. We didn’t want to just receive support but also to be active ourselves. We were well supported in our independence. This support is very important.

And what is particularly important to you in supporting people? 

For us volunteers, supporting people is not work but something that comes from the heart. In my work as a volunteer, it’s a priority for me to understand exactly what the people really need. You have to be able to put yourself in their shoes – and do so really well. Volunteers also have to know which areas they are good at and how they can provide the best support for people. Empathy plays a key role here. I always try to be empathetic because then I can help the best. This is one of the most important skills for me. I want to be there for people. There are many social aspects – we get to know the family, we drink a coffee together or eat in the evening. 

«For us volunteers, supporting people is not work but something that comes from the heart.»