Young east African now in work and able to pay off some of his debts

A young east African, a former refugee who had caused a few headaches for previous employers, the local authorities and a charitable organisation trying to help him now seems to have found his niche and has even been able to pay off a few of his debts, thanks to a local farmer who has taken him under his wing.

It appeared initially that all attempts to try and integrate the young African, who prefers not to be mentioned by name, had failed, getting into trouble with the law over issues such as cannabis and fighting. However, having gone down the wrong path, now things are looking up, thanks to a farmer and his family, who also preferred their names not to be mentioned, who took him on last autumn, providing him with a job, board and lodging and much support, firm at times, to ensure he keeps on the straight and narrow.

The young African explained that he did not want his name mentioned as some of his former contacts begrudge him having been so fortunate and may come and expect things from him, such as cash. He did not want to get into any more trouble of any kind.
 
As to the farmer, the father of five children, he said the African’s first priority was to sort his own problems out and get a grip on things. It is on the farm that the young African helps out looking after the cows and hens, his boss laying great emphasis on punctuality. “Once he appeared late. but I gave him another chance, making sure he knew it would be the last one. Then I made it clear there was no room for drugs on this farm, either,” he said.

It may be this firm approach was just what the African needed. Indeed, he admitted that it was because they were so open and honest with him, that it was all working out so well. At least in being so busy he has less time to dwell on things in the past. Not that he can totally escape them as he frequently has nightmares. He also has a pile of debts to pay off, for example for fines and mobile phone bills. It is with the help of the accounting skills of the farmer’s wife that he has been able to pay some off. “He lives very modestly,” she said, “and realises he must put money aside for this purpose.” In addition to his farm wage he benefits from an integration allowance and contributions from social services, through whom, incidentally, he came into contact with the family.
The African, now in his mid-twenties, is very grateful for all the help he is being given and realises he must not do anything that could jeopardise his current situation.

The farmer recalled the first day the African appeared at the farm, his older children taken aback by his “gangster-like” appearance. But since then, they bought him some new clothes and now he is one of the family, with some evenings spent playing chess, whereby he also learns some German, too.

As to why the farmer, who has almost become a father-type figure to him, offered to help in this way, he said that one of his children could find themselves in difficult circumstances, too. “We very much believe in him. He is not stupid and gives us a lot back, what with his open and cheerful demeanour,” he said.

As to the future, the young African would really like to be able to work in an old people’s home, but for now he is happy to be making steps forward, even if they are small ones.

Philipp Suter of Baar, who heads an advisory service for between 100-120 young people on probation and their parents, said how such work can be very challenging but also very rewarding. “Succeeding in this way is only possible because there are so many good employers, farmers, families, social workers and others specialising in integration in the canton who are willing to help.”