Unaccompanied minors express themselves: Publication of the first issue of "My voice for you"
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A few weeks ago, the Swiss Foundation of the International Social Service (ISS) organized a one week workshop camp for unaccompanied minors (MNA) in the Vaud Alps. This event aimed to create, with these young people, the first issue of a newspaper that is dedicated to them.
Each year, hundreds of children arrive alone in Switzerland and submit an asylum application. These MNA often face a lack of cultural and family references, a situation of isolation and a lack of information about their stay in Switzerland.Our camp was attended by about fifteen young people from the most diverse countries, such as Sudan, Guinea Conakry, Somalia, Eritrea, Tunisia, Syria and Iraq. During the camp, several groups were set up to work on various aspects of the realization of the newspaper, such as writing, illustration and photography. Recreational and socializing activities were also scheduled.
In this first issue entitled "My voice for you," the young people had the opportunity to talk about their experience of unaccompanied minors in Switzerland. What are their stories, what are their journies, what experiences did they have before arriving and what is their situation in their country?The themes chosen by young people illustrate their concerns: health, safety, training and family. Thus, we discover testimonies of young people who dream of training opportunities, working and a happy family, either here or elsewhere. And despite the often difficult situations, a positive vision of the present and hope for a better future emerge from their testimonies.
Like the young Moussa (borrowed name) from Guinea said: "I would have preferred to stay with my parents, but it was not possible. I am here and I have the will to do training and work. We need to learn more French. Having a job is a purpose in life. I want to learn a trade, because with a trade you can work anywhere, even if you leave Switzerland." The second issue of this journal will be also devoted to the theme of training and will be published by the end of the year.
This activity is part of the task of information and exchange of SSI with unaccompanied minors through the Platform Migrant Children: www.enfants-migrants.ch. The issue is accessible in French here to anyone interested.