“Getting” the Refugee Journey at a Deeper Level

By Bev Weise, Executive Director

In the eight years that I have been volunteering or working with refugees, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of refugee mindsets, challenges and refugee journeys. I thought I had heard it all—harrowing stories of Isis imprisonment, family members drowning in the Aegean Sea, resettlement challenges like learning a new language and finding employment in countries that were not always so welcoming to refugees.

Yet, it is only now that I think I’m beginning to “get it” at a much deeper level.

What I hadn’t really understood before is that even once refugees are safely resettled in a new country, working or going to school, and even becoming proficient in a new language, their REFUGEE JOURNEY CONTINUES. Fleeing from one’s home country because of war or persecution and leaving family members and friends behind, brings on a sense of loss, loneliness, perhaps some guilt, never-ending worry, and a sense of obligation to help. The family bonds in many of these cultures seem incredibly strong. The sense of loss is palpable. Just this last month, I met:

• An Afghan, living in the United States, who suddenly lost his father and was unable to mourn his loss together with other family members back home;
• A Syrian, who just a few weeks ago, lost his cousin, his cousin’s wife and three children, as they tried to escape from Aleppo as the rebels took over their city;
• A Palestinian man, who had been living in Greece for six years and had planned to marry a Palestinian woman in Cairo, was notified by the Egyptian government a day before his scheduled departure that despite his valid Egyptian visa, he could not enter the country unless he paid the government $5000!
• An Iraqi refugee, who works a night shift as a hotel supervisor, so that during the day, he can take care of his invalid aunt, “because that’s what families do.” He’s been doing that for two years and still managed to be recognized as “Employee of the Month” at this 5-star hotel).
• A Syrian, who helped arrange for his sister to study at a university in his new country, paying all her expenses, living in his apartment, and generally being responsible for her well-being.
• Several refugees, of all nationalities, who send money home monthly to provide some level of subsistence for their families, even though they may earn barely enough for themselves –and certainly not enough to save any money.

So what gives me hope when I feel overwhelmed by the enormity of their ongoing challenges?

REFUGEE JUMPSTART COACHING. Truly.

Our compassionate, skilled coaches who help transform lives, one at a time;

Our small, global staff, who work tirelessly, with much passion and expertise, to make this organization work;

Our Board who provides guidance and support to help us achieve our mission;

AND our incredibly resilient, determine, adaptable clients who have shared their gratitude with us about how coaching helped move them forward in their lives. They tell us:

“We didn’t just talk about jobs. We also spent time on life coaching, which has been really helpful for managing stress and staying positive, especially when things are tough. I've learned some good ways to deal with stress and keep a positive attitude, even when things aren't going well”.

“Finding a job isn't just about money for me, it's also about finding myself again after a long time spent feeling lost as a refugee”.

“Coaching has been crucial in my journey by offering clear guidance on setting and achieving goals. It has improved my self-reflection and decision-making skills, helping me handle challenges better”.

“This [coaching] journey helped me gain more self-confidence and knowing that I can do more than what I thought”.

Maybe we can’t shield our refugee clients from the ongoing pain and loss of families being separated and continual war and uncertainty in their home countries, but we can –and do– strengthen their well-being and self-confidence, as our research has shown.

And that ain’t nothin’.