Refugees on the Move

Initially, the atmosphere was tense, but as time went on, individuals began to engage more freely. The narratives shared by my classmates about their journeys to Sweden were as varied as they were heart-wrenching. Each had traversed numerous borders, confronting unimaginable dangers, all clinging to the fragile hope of finding safety.

One such story was from Youssef, a 27-year-old Syrian who embarked on a month-long journey to Scandinavia. He navigated an unofficial overland route to Turkey, then took a perilous boat trip across the Aegean Sea to Greece, where he received aid from various organizations.

“I joined a group heading north towards the Balkans through Macedonia,” he recounted, lamenting how a smuggler had abandoned them in a desolate area. Fortunately, a kind stranger provided them with food and directions, and after two nights of walking in the summer heat, they reached a town that offered further assistance.

“It was at these locations that we encountered the greatest challenges,” he explained. “We could gather vital information regarding transport and border regulations, but it’s also where smugglers would often exploit us.”

Without delay, Youssef paid for a bus to Serbia, aiming for Belgrade, and then Hungary—what he believed was his gateway to Europe. But Hungary’s sudden border closure forced him to rethink his route. He continued to travel, arriving in Belgrade, and then making his way towards Croatia.

He faced another arduous trek, walking for two days to reach the border while assisting a single mother with her children. One night, an elderly woman welcomed them into her home, providing them with food and a place to sleep. The following day, her son drove them to the Croatian border.

From there, they took a train to a reception center. After ensuring the mother and children were cared for, Youssef continued to Zagreb, hoping it would lead him to his dream. “Our experiences differed because of the various paths we took and the people we encountered. Being on the run is fraught with risk!” he reflected, recalling those who were left behind. “The odds were daunting.”

“Yet here he is now,” I thought. Youssef's journey included crossing through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and finally arriving in Sweden, where he sought asylum at the Migration Office, still awaiting permanent residency.

He quickly became the most dedicated student in our class, eager to master the language.

Then there was Mariam from Eritrea, another asylum seeker, whose journey had been lengthy and fragmented, taking her a year to reach Sweden. Deng from South Sudan shared his own story, which took six months.

In contrast, my travel to Sweden was as a tourist, exploring the beauty of Europe in a family car. I listened intently, reflecting on the stark differences between my leisurely travels and their desperate escapes.

Sitting among my classmates, I never imagined I would learn alongside asylum seekers and gain firsthand insight into such a complex crisis.

New Beginnings

In our class, there were individuals of all ages, from fifty-somethings to those in their twenties. As we shared our stories and spent more time together, it became clear we were all seeking fresh starts.

For my family, staying in Portugal had become untenable. My husband's unemployment had forced us to shift our children from private to public schools twice.

In Sweden, however, our circumstances wouldn’t dictate the quality of education our children received. Even in poverty, I could enroll my child in one of the country’s top schools at no cost.

While we cherished the beautiful beaches, fresh food, and proximity to loved ones, we felt trapped by the corruption that plagued our homeland, leading many to flee in search of better opportunities.

Common Grounds

As I connected more with the refugees, I recognized shared experiences. My class on social psychology emphasized that the best way to foster unity among diverse groups is through direct interaction.

Indeed, we were building bonds in class without realizing it. I discovered that emotions transcend borders. Laughter would ripple through the room whenever someone shared a joke, and we collectively responded to the same horrors.

We all desired safety, a place to call home, food for our families, and education for our children. We sought opportunities for growth and treatment with dignity.

I, too, had sat in silence, each of us carrying burdens—though theirs were far heavier. Yet, we all aspired to the same future, united in our quest for a better life for ourselves and our families, seeking security, opportunities, and dignity.

Integration

The Job Institute, known as Arbetsförmedlingen, played a pivotal role in their integration into Swedish society and the job market. They provided not only financial support but also a pathway to employment, transforming assistance into a bridge to realizing dreams.

However, the journey was challenging. They needed to pass exams to progress, enduring hours of stress every ten weeks—a shared experience among us all.

As we labored and advanced, the classroom atmosphere evolved. We were no longer just refugees or newcomers; we became students and colleagues navigating similar challenges. Most importantly, we were equals, treated with dignity.

Sweden’s commitment to refugees was evident. By offering free education, healthcare, and housing, they weren’t merely providing aid; they were cultivating a new generation of citizens who would contribute to society and support the economy.

This strategy stemmed from the belief that investing in people yields returns, both in humanitarian terms and in fostering a robust, diverse community.

Yet, a word of caution for Sweden: it is crucial to be discerning about who is granted entry. Fortunately, I found myself among the right people.

Awareness and Understanding

My experience learning Swedish transcended mere language acquisition; it illuminated the essence of our shared humanity. The classroom became a microcosm where we connected beyond our origins, demonstrating how connections can dismantle barriers and foster understanding.

This journey revealed that in our pursuit of security, opportunity, and respect, our differences diminish. Supporting refugees is about creating a world where every individual and their story is valued.