Discovering Humanity Through Language and Refugees' Stories
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Chapter 1: A New Beginning in Sweden
Reflecting on the onset of the Syrian war, I recall how it triggered a massive wave of refugees heading to Europe. That pivotal year also marked my family's decision to relocate to Sweden.
In my eyes, Sweden appeared to be an orderly nation with serene cities and picturesque landscapes, boasting robust educational and healthcare systems. Historically, the country welcomed about twenty to forty thousand immigrants annually—numbers they were equipped to handle. However, in 2015, this figure surged to over 160,000, including individuals from Syria, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, South America, and various Asian nations, all fleeing the chaos of their home countries.
As a Southern European, I found myself among these diverse individuals, motivated by my husband's job transfer and a desire to rebuild my life. During my master's program at Uppsala University, my supervisor expressed gratitude for my willingness to share this narrative.
Sweden faced challenges in addressing this overwhelming influx, yet it responded with determination. New SFI (Swedish For Immigrants) schools emerged to accommodate the unprecedented number of newcomers. In January 2016, I enrolled in one of these institutions in northern Stockholm.
On my first day, I surveyed the classroom, witnessing faces from all over the globe. The refugee crisis had united people fleeing oppressive regimes. Coming from a nearly homogenous society like Portugal, the cultural diversity left me astonished, and the awkwardness of the situation hampered my ability to communicate.
But I was not alone in my silence. In those initial weeks, we were like isolated islands, with the only sound being our teacher's voice—a friendly, thirty-year-old woman with short blonde hair. "How courageous!" I thought.
After several weeks of four hours of daily Swedish lessons, we quickly transitioned to "Swenglish"—a blend of Swedish and English. As we engaged in group activities, the ice began to thaw, and we started sharing our stories. However, hearing their experiences often drew me back into silence, as I visualized the struggles etched on their eager faces.
The first video captures the essence of the refugee experience in Sweden, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by those seeking a new life.
Section 1.1: The Tension Eases
Initially, the atmosphere in the classroom was tense, but as weeks went by, the tension dissipated. My classmates began to communicate as best as they could, sharing stories of their perilous journeys to safety.
Take Youssef, for example—a 27-year-old Syrian who spent a month traversing various countries to reach Scandinavia. He described how he navigated through Turkey and Greece, eventually joining a group headed north through Macedonia. Unfortunately, a smuggler abandoned them in a desolate area, but a kind stranger provided them with food and guidance.
Youssef recounted, "We walked for two nights to escape the summer heat, finally reaching a town that offered assistance." NGOs played a crucial role in their journey, offering vital resources, yet these were also the places where smugglers often lurked.
To continue his journey, Youssef paid for a bus to Serbia, aiming for Hungary, which he saw as his entry into Europe. However, when Hungary tightened its borders, he had to reconsider his path. He traveled to Croatia, facing the challenge of walking for two days while assisting a single mother and her children. An elderly woman provided them with shelter and food before her son helped them reach the Croatian border.
Youssef was determined to reach Sweden. "We all had different experiences, but the risks were substantial," he reflected, noting the many who fell behind. To finally arrive in Sweden, he had crossed Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and then reached the Migration Office to seek asylum. Despite his achievements, he was still awaiting permanent residency.
Youssef emerged as one of the best students in our class, mastering the language quickly. Similarly, Mariam from Eritrea described her fragmented journey, which took a year, while Deng from South Sudan shared that his took six months.
In contrast, my own travels to Sweden were leisurely, conducted by car as a tourist. I found myself listening more than speaking, pondering the stark difference between our experiences.
The second video tells the poignant story of a Syrian family's journey to find refuge on a Swedish island, illustrating their resilience and hope.
Section 1.2: Common Ground
As stories unfolded, I began to recognize commonalities among us—all of us were pursuing new beginnings. For my family, staying in Portugal posed challenges, especially during times of unemployment when our children's education was at risk. In contrast, Sweden offered a system where children's schooling remained unaffected by our financial status, ensuring access to quality education regardless of circumstances.
While we cherished the beauty of Portugal's beaches and the comfort of family, we felt trapped by corruption and a failing public system.
As time passed, I found shared ground with my classmates. According to my course on the Social-Psychology of Inter-Group Conflict, direct contact is essential for bonding among diverse groups. This was true for us; we connected through shared laughter and collective shock at the horrors we faced.
We all sought safety, a home, nourishment, education for our children, and opportunities for growth. Our pasts weighed differently, but our aspirations for a better future aligned.
Chapter 2: Integration and Growth
The Job Institute, Arbetsförmedlingen, played a crucial role in facilitating my classmates' integration into society and the labor market. They provided not just financial assistance but pathways to employment—a bridge to fulfilling dreams.
However, the journey was fraught with challenges. They needed to pass exams to progress, and we all experienced stress with the exams every ten weeks.
As we fought through these hurdles, the classroom atmosphere transformed. We became more than just refugees or newcomers; we evolved into fellow students, united in facing common challenges. Most importantly, we were equals, treated with dignity.
Sweden's investment in refugees was evident. By offering free education, healthcare, and shelter, the country wasn't merely providing aid but cultivating a new generation of citizens who would contribute to society, pay taxes, and support the pension system in the long run.
This approach stemmed from the belief that investing in people yields benefits, both humanitarian and societal.
Yet, Sweden must remain discerning about immigration policies. I count myself fortunate to have joined a supportive community.
In conclusion, my experience learning Swedish transcended language acquisition; it deepened my understanding of our shared humanity. The classroom functioned as a microcosm of the world, where connections flourished despite our differences. It highlighted how the pursuit of security, opportunity, and respect can dissolve barriers.
Supporting refugees is about fostering a world where every individual's story is honored and valued.