On October 26, 2024, our organization held an event in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The session Took place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with the theme emphasizing the importance of access to training for successful integration into the professional sphere and for tackling the challenges encountered by migrants. As this was our inaugural session in La Chaux-de-Fonds, we made every effort to ensure that the proceedings unfolded smoothly. The project was specifically aimed at individuals who required essential information regarding accessing and navigating the training system in Switzerland. The presentation on the training system in Switzerland was undoubtedly one of the most significant highlights, as most attendees seemed very focused and engaged during Ms.Tièche Garance’s discussion.
Our primary objective was raising awareness, motivating, and inspiring migrants regarding the significance of access to education in Switzerland. With Ms. Tièche Garance, an orientation counselor and head of compulsory education services at OCOSOP, we gained insights into the Swiss education system. She also addressed questions from participants, who appeared to be highly engaged with the topic.
The speech delivered by Mr. Njo Moubiala, The General Counselor of Peseux (Neuchâtel) from 2009 to 2020, was particularly inspiring. We hope that his words will serve as a guiding light for all migrants who attended the session, encouraging them to reflect and apply this message in their lives and those of their children, thereby facilitating access to education in Switzerland.
In summary, Mr. Moubiala faced numerous challenges upon arriving in Switzerland as an asylum seeker, yet he did not succumb to adversity. He worked in construction and as well as a taxi driver. He believed he could achieve more with his talents and potential. This conviction led him to educate himself about Swiss politics and engage in the political arena of his interest before becoming a General Counselor of Peseux (Neuchâtel) from 2009-2020. His journey serves as a reminder that anything is possible and that the sky is the limit. Thus, even though the path of life may be arduous, determination enables one to seek out and pursue educational opportunities of interest. This can ultimately lead to a fulfilling career and inspire one’s children and community to do the same.
Our second objective was to establish a platform for exchange. The session provided us with the opportunity to meet, engage in dialogue, and seek solutions to the challenges faced by migrants in accessing education and effectively integrating into Swiss society. Many participants had numerous inquiries, and we extend our gratitude to Ms. Tièche Garance and Ms. Manon
Racine, project manager at the Service for Multicultural Cohesion, for addressing the questions. We are confident that several individuals were able to find the appropriate answers and guidance necessary to pursue their education and take the required steps to secure employment of their choice, which will positively impact the community. Indeed, when one person changes, it influences those around them.
Our final objective was to inform participants about our initiative aimed at collaborating with them, as well as with institutions and networks in Switzerland, such as OCOSOP and COSM, to assist migrants in integrating into the Swiss community. This marked the first time our association organized an information session in Switzerland, specifically in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It was a rewarding initial experience, and we hope to continue along this path.
Target Group and participants
At the end of the session, we assessed that a minimum of twenty participants were present. The group comprised migrants, including asylum seekers, individuals with B and C permits, and foreign nationals, with only a handful of Swiss acquaintances in attendance.
Challenges of the Project
One of the primary difficulties we faced was encouraging individuals to take part in our session. As our organization is relatively new to the migration and integration sector, we found ourselves needing to invest more effort to attract participants. Language barriers presented another significant obstacle during our visits to asylum seekers in their homes. Many individuals cannot communicate in either French or English, which requires us to record their messages in their native languages and subsequently translate them using mobile applications. This added complexity and prolonged interactions.
Additionally, since participants were dispersed across different locations, we had to conduct door-to-door outreach to invite them to our session. While this approach was challenging, it also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds.
There is often limited public interest and awareness surrounding such sessions, which complicates the efforts of organizers. Some individuals may sign up to participate but on the event day, they might not respond to calls, which can be discouraging. Due to uncertainty about attendance numbers, we had to estimate supplies, which occasionally resulted in either excess or insufficient quantities. For example, we ended up with food in excess for the participants. It became evident that the demands of the project surpassed the available funding. We even had to cover travel costs for some association members. Moreover, recruiting volunteers proved to be a challenge.
In summary, We accomplished over 90% of the goals specified in our grant application, leading to favorable results. We followed the timeline, delivered the training system, and executed the other scheduled programs. Furthermore, we effectively responded to the participants’ questions satisfactorily and gave out refreshments.
Our long-term goal through these sessions is to increase the access rate to training for migrants in Neuchâtel by at least 30%. Our association wishes to convey its heartfelt thanks to Service de la Cohésion Multiculturelle (COSM) for their generous financial support. We would like to extend special recognition to Madame Manon Racine for her valuable assistance and guidance throughout the project.
Furthermore, we express our gratitude to our distinguished guests, Madame Tièche Garace from L’OCOPS, and Monsieur Njo Moubiala, the General Counselor of Peseux (Neuchâtel) from 2009 to 2020. We also appreciate the efforts of our association members, including Mr. Kennedy Uzowuihe, our treasurer, and Mr. Labité Ghabdjavi, our secretary, along with all other contributors. We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.