Reach Out and Living Cultures

Christine Gilbert:

In January ZIWA member Monica Reppas-Schmid invited members to her free public “Integration by being Active” seminar. It was specially targeted at women who like so many of us have moved here from a different culture, and are wanting to meet other internationals, and to feel comfortable in the Swiss community. There were opportunities to explore the possibilities of work, further education and volunteering. The meeting room was full to overflowing, the coffee and refreshments were welcome and the discussion was lively and interesting. Our own Sophia Würmli gave a short presentation to explain how the Reach Out project in ZIWA can be a great way for us to use our skills to work voluntarily in Switzerland and a good step towards integrating in the Swiss community at large.

And here's what Jayne Alhindawe has to say:

It's always difficult when you find yourself living in a new country. More often than not women accompany a husband or partner who has come here to work. At first you must deal with the practicalities of relocating; setting up house, enrolling kids in schools, and navigating your way through a labyrinth of bureaucracy in what to do about bills, tax and health insurance! But what about when things are more or less sorted and the dust has settled? Then what?
Of course joining organizations like ZIWA are a great way to get involved in activities you enjoy and meet like-minded people, but the “Integration by being Active” free workshop offered by Monica Reppas-Schmid from Living Cultures provided some other options you may not have thought about. For example, you might like to do a workshop which can help you to see what you personally have to offer employers and where you can learn about career options in Switzerland. You might like to do a course of some kind; anything from a university degree to just something you are interested in. You might like to try volunteering. This can provide not only personal fulfilment in helping others, but it might also be a foot in the door to something else you want to do. It's also a great way to make friends! There are many options out there if you only know where to look!

© Copyright 2010 ZIWA All rights reserved