Waffa Kuwider expresses her heartfelt desire for individuals to set aside their biases

Waffa Kuwider's Journey: From Syria to Germany

Waffa Kuwider, a Syrian refugee, arrived in Dortmund, Germany in 2007, joining her husband who had previously migrated via Russia, Greece, and Croatia. Kuwider, a former teacher in Syria, found it challenging to continue her profession in her new home.

Language was a significant barrier for Kuwider when she first arrived. However, her determination and perseverance shone through, and she eventually overcame this hurdle. Kuwider completed an internship at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) during her time in Germany, which provided her with valuable experience.

In 2015, when Angela Merkel coined the phrase "We can do this!", Kuwider had already been living in Dortmund for many years. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she believes that many refugees work hard to establish themselves in Germany.

Kuwider found a new purpose by volunteering with the "Train of Hope" initiative, helping refugees integrate. Her dedication and commitment did not go unnoticed, and she was later hired by the German Red Cross as a social worker. In this role, she helps with applications and organizes workshops, finding fulfillment in her job and often helping people on a personal level.

The family faced issues with neighbors in Hombruch, including complaints about their children's noise and obscene pictures on their door. However, Kuwider and her family moved from their apartment in Nordstadt to Hombruch due to space constraints with their four young children.

Kuwider experienced hate comments and prejudice towards her headscarf after a local newspaper published a portrait of her. Despite this, she found a more diverse and welcoming environment in Nette, where people from different cultures such as Turks, Arabs, Poles, and Germans live.

In her free time, Kuwider often meets friends for coffee or goes shopping with them. Her work and integration in Germany have been key to her overcoming the feeling of being a stranger. Kuwider wishes for more empathy and shedding of prejudices among people. A return to Syria is not an option for Kuwider as the homeland is completely bombed out. She hopes for a future where everyone can live in harmony, regardless of their background or culture.

Waffa Kuwider expresses her heartfelt desire for individuals to set aside their biases