Listening, respecting, security

Jonas Equey, 33 years old, technical manager and trainer at Caritas Switzerland’s ‘Maison de formation et d’intégration’ (MFI) in Matran, Canton Fribourg. Strengths: sociable, independent, patient, calm, adaptable. It’s all there on his CV and it’s evident in his work.

The sprawling MFI opened for business seven years ago. Caritas Switzerland provides accommodation for around 70 recognized refugees and supports them in their integration journey for six months. It’s a place that offers stability and a sense of security in a spirit of listening and respect.

Caritas is mandated by Canton Fribourg to accompany the residents as they take their first steps towards integration. Caritas Switzerland staff provide them with social and professional support. Unaccompanied minors benefit from particular care and attention. The residents, or people referred by colleagues in the Integration Department, can also do work placements in caretaking, cooking and home economics. This is where Jonas Equey comes in with his trainees.

A qualified car mechanic with experience of working in social institutions, he’s planning to follow further training in the near future in an area related to his technical background and the building trade. In the longer term, still working at the MFI, he hopes to add to his competencies by training as a socio-professional mentor.

Resourceful young refugees

Jonas Equey is never short of anecdotes that underscore his attachment to the young and not-so-young whose abilities he’s been able to develop. He also introduces them to basic social and professional codes of behaviour: «This young Syrian who, as a child, presented quite a challeng», he remembers. «He and his parents dropped by a few days ago to say hello. He’s almost two metres tall, speaks perfect French and has started an apprenticeship as a painter-decorator.» Every day finds Jonas Equey helping his trainees making progress, checking safety and lighting, painting-decorating, setting up a lounge, a computer room and an outdoor play area, even gardening.

He also recounts his current experience with a teenager from Afghanistan: «He has everything it takes to succeed professionally. Possibly as a gardener or landscaper, because he really likes that. But he’s very reserved, too reserved, which can be problematic in terms of how he relates with colleagues at work.» A way will have to be found!

The other day, a group of Ukrainians, Afghans and Eritreans had to dig quite a large area to make a playing field, he explains further. «I had bought some shovels. Using only the handles, the Eritreans demonstrated their efficiency and speed. Amazing!»