Since 2017, Mareena has been working on integrating refugees, foreigners, and foreign women into Slovak society. We provide the public with opportunities to understand better and get to know the integration, migration, and diversity issues. Why do we do this, and who are refugees? They are people like us, but they found themselves in a situation where they had to leave their homes. They are people who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for racial, religious, national, political, or social reasons.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
How do refugees support Slovakia?
People who have had to leave their homes bring with them valuable experience and knowledge. It is their talents that can contribute to the development of our society. The shortage of health workers, teachers, and IT specialists is one of Slovakia's biggest problems. Only some people realize, however, that it is refugees who can fill these shortages. It is increasingly expected to be treated by a foreign doctor, taught by a foreign teacher, or looked after by a foreign nanny. This is how refugees help Slovakia. And by helping them, you help Slovakia.
SO WHO SUPPORTS SLOVAKIA?
Meet the stories of three refugee women.
Hi, I’m SABRIA
I came to Slovakia from Iraq with my husband and our four children in 2015. The reason we left was religious persecution. I quickly learned Slovak and made new friends thanks to the kind people. I was initially an Arabic teacher and later decided to become a nanny. I completed a course in health care for the elderly and got a job in an institution in Nitra. I have worked there for three years, helping Slovak seniors with joy and love. I am grateful for the help my family and I have received and the wonderful welcome from the locals.
Hello, my name is EVANA.
I was only twelve years old when I left Iraq. My family and I came to Slovakia in search of a safe home. My mum and dad work, and my brothers and sisters study. It took work at first. The language and cultural barriers caused us various difficulties, but thanks to the incredible Slovak men and women who took us in, we got used to it. Many of them are like our family now. I am studying Physical Education and English Language Teaching. I love sports and would like to teach others to love sports. Sometimes, people ask me what I tell people who come to Slovakia in a problematic situation. It would be patience. You have to be persistent, and in the end, good people will always help you lead an everyday life.
Nice to meet you; my name is ANNA.
The war in Ukraine forced us to leave our homes. As a mother, I know that I have to do everything for the safety of my children; that's why my husband, our daughter, my mother, and I came to Slovakia. My mother became very ill and unfortunately left us. It was a tough time, and I had to qualify as a general practitioner because my medical degree was not valid in Slovakia. However, the wonderful people at the Rovniankova Clinic in Bratislava, where I currently work as a pediatrician, helped me through it all. I plan to continue working in the Slovak health system, which desperately needs doctors and nurses. Since the reality of war has been present, we have learned to value life and peace more. Today, when we hear the sound of the siren, we know that we no longer have to hide. Only those who have lived through it will understand this.
Listen to the Supporting Slovakia podcast.
Support Slovakia as well.
Support refugee men and women in Slovakia so they can use their talents and have a space to show their contribution to our country. Thank you.
The campaign has been developed in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
