EDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.
That is why we are committed to the following concerns:
All people living in Switzerland, irrespective of their residence status, should be able to educate themselves within the framework of their individual potential, to receive training, to continue their education, to find a job that matches their abilities and to shape their lives in a self-determined way. Education for all is a prerequisite for democratic coexistence. Education for all benefits individuals, society and the economy, which needs skilled workers.
We are supported by 19,209 people who have signed the petition “Enabling education and work for refugees”. On 22 September, together with our partner organisations, we handed over the petition to the federal parliament in Bern.
We are now continuing to raise awareness of the issue with cantonal events and are working on political measures with parliamentarians.
On the official campaign website Education for all – now we inform you regularly about planned events and media contributions.
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION FOR REFUGEES AND RECOGNITION OF DIPLOMAS
In the videos, six highly qualified people who have fled to Switzerland talk about their experiences in recognising their diplomas and accessing higher education. The portraits illustrate the barriers for this level of education here in Switzerland.
Ahmad*, who comes from Syria, brings many skills with him: A bachelor’s degree in economics and more than ten years of professional experience. Ahmad* emphasises that what is needed is not only information, but also more support on the way to university. He mentions the programme Horizon Académique at the University of Geneva, which he came across by chance. Besides the opportunity to learn the local language, “most importantly they helped me find the right educational option that fits my skills and ambitions. The team followed me with every step and eased all the hurdles, so that I was able to get an acceptance to enter the master programme related to my study.”
The lack of targeted information about tertiary education opportunities and of support programmes is just one of many hurdles refugees face in accessing higher education and getting their prior education recognised.
WE DEMAND:
The Confederation, the cantons and the higher education institutions must ensure that
- refugees with good previous education are supported in gaining access to higher education
- and that the diplomas they bring with them are better recognised. (Petition, point 5)
Check out the other video portraits of highly qualified refugees to learn more about the barriers to accessing tertiary education.
ASSOCIATION “EDUCATION FOR ALL – NOW!”
Founding members are the organisations VPOD – ssp, Sosf and VSS-UNES-USU (Perspectives-Study) as well as individuals.
The campaign committee: Sophie Guignard (Sosf, co-lead), Johannes Gruber (VPOD, co-lead), Sabine Zurschmitten (VSS, “Perspectives-Study”, co-lead), Tobias Heiniger (Asylum law expert, SBAA), Amel Bouchiba (migration expert), Urs Loppacher (VPOD) and Markus Truniger (VPOD).