Through a migrant’s eye: SeHeMe Project Case Studies in Tunisia

By Ines Mansouri from PADIL

The SeHeMe project in Tunisia has entered an exciting phase, one that resonates with the essence of its mission—to empower migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers by giving them a voice and fostering a sense of belonging in their host society.

To begin this journey, PADIL, SeHeMe’s Tunisian partner identified and engaged with ten institutions in Tunisia that work closely with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. These entities, which are all significantly committed to the cause of inclusion and diversity, expressed their support for the project and applauded its unique approach to creating a more inclusive society.

The mission is to discover and honour the experiences of migrants who have not only arrived in Tunisia but have also successfully integrated into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Their stories will paint a realistic picture of the challenges they faced, the solutions they devised, and the rich tapestry of experiences that make up their lives.

Challenges

However, as we ventured into this state of discovery, our researchers encountered certain challenges. The collective expulsions of July 2023, marked by human rights violations, left a significant impact. Some migrants understandably hesitated to engage, choosing to walk away from our researchers, while others missed their scheduled interviews. This underscored the profound lack of trust and, in some cases, the fear that some migrants harbour when engaging with the host country. Despite these obstacles, our efforts prevailed as we succeeded in connecting with migrants willing to share their stories.

Interviews

Our research team at PADIL conducted remarkable interviews in Tunisia with people from various backgrounds:

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One interviewee poignantly summarized her experience in Tunisia: “I initially chose to come to Tunisia for work. It was undeniably challenging; I grappled with language barriers, and being a woman in this new world posed a significant challenge. However, as I persevered, I learned from my Tunisian colleagues, overcame countless challenges, and, in the end, discovered that it was the best and most empowering experience of my life”

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Another interviewee couldn’t hide her excitement: “Every experience has its ups and downs. Following a family friend’s footsteps, I came to Tunisia in search of adventure. I took up whatever job I could find to save money, from babysitting to room service. Through hard work and determination, I saved enough to undertake a training program that granted me certification. Today, I run my own business in Tunisia, providing jobs and support to others. I also volunteer at social events, helping my community integrate better and sharing the wisdom I’ve gained”

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Our third interviewee, after a moment of reflection, shared a transformative story: ” Initially I arrived with a scholarship, but soon realized it wasn’ enough. My family had to send me money to support my stay. The language barriers at the university took me by surprise—everything was in French, a language I knew nothing about. In pursuit of a job to assist my family, I shifted my focus to a field with fewer studying hours. In the face of challenges, thoughts of illegal migration to Europe crossed my mind. But one day, in the metro, I saw someone selling food in the streets from a window. An idea struck me, a way to harness my culinary skills and bring a piece of home to Tunisia.”

Conclusion

These migrants’ stories highlight the significant talents, expertise, and cultural diversity they offer to their host countries. These stories shed light on the extraordinary contributions that migrants make to their communities, dispelling prejudices and misconceptions about their roles in host societies.

Integration is a dynamic, reciprocal process, these stories of endurance, determination, and flexibility urge the host society to recognise the enormous potential and beneficial impacts that migrants offer. They benefit the host society with their different experiences, talents, and distinctive perspectives as they adapt to their new homes.

As a result, we welcome you to look forward to the full, unique, and exciting stories that will grace our upcoming SeHeMe booklet...