SEET’s Study Support mentoring programme concludes with celebratory workshop
“Our time in the programme has come to an end but I know we will continue with our relationship in the future, and we will do something creative and enriching together.”
These words were just one of numerous personal reflections as 35 participants of SEET’s study support programme were asked to summarise their nine-month long mentor-mentee relationships on Thursday 20 February.
SEET’s Charlotte Eder deftly guided more than twenty people in the room at the ETH in Zürich, with another fifteen joining online for a 90-minute meeting. The event was not only a celebration, but also an important opportunity for the SEET team to gather some qualitative feedback on the efficacy of the programme.
Prior to May 2024, the mentors and mentees – the latter group, refugees living in Switzerland who were seeking to start or re-start their academic studies – had never met before. Yet the positivity expressed in the auditorium and via the Zoom chat was a true testament to the ability of humans to forge long-lasting relationships.
To challenge the creativity of those at the ETH, each mentor-mentee partnership was handed a blank sheet of paper and a coloured pen. The task was to review the original co-defined goals they set, and to compare them with their current respective situation. Combining words, with a pictorial evaluation of their time together.
Several mentees outlined how, with the support and guidance of their mentor, and financial contributions from SEET during the last nine months, they had achieved a B2 or C1 German language qualification: a key step towards further social integration and career advancement.
Some have commenced industrial work placements. Two mentees have either begun or will soon commence studies in social work. Others detailed how they are currently studying topics as diverse as Auditing, Economics and Law, and Logistics, whilst another student will begin a Masters in September 2025.
Finally, one female member of the cohort explained how she was balancing the requirements of a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and prevention at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur – that she had commenced prior to joining the SEET programme – with a part-time job working with pre-Kindergarten aged children.
As well as the tangible academic achievements across the group, the mentees also shared how the partnership with their mentor and buddy will also leave a multitude of less visible, but no less important legacies.
Security, belief, motivation, warmth, fun and support were all words used by some of the refugees to detail the positive impact of the programme.
One mentee decided that she didn’t need to draw any pictures, as her words in dark green pen were more than enough to succinctly conclude her experience, and what the future holds.
“My Mentor fulfilled all my expectations, and although I have not reached all my goals yet, I will absolutely not stop until I do achieve them all” she wrote.
All participants of the 2024/25 programme will receive a certificate of participation in May. The mentees who will continue their studies and have applied for an extension, will shortly learn if their SEET journey will continue for a further twelve months. Meanwhile, for others, like two sisters from Ukraine, forthcoming German exams will hopefully take them one step further to their dream: the start of a career in a country that became their new home.
To the SEET team who were on-site or supported online during the event, we are truly grateful as always for your invaluable voluntary contributions.
To the mentors who gave up their personal time over the last nine months, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your belief in our programme. We hope that in a quieter moment, you will be able to reflect on the immeasurable impact you each had on the lives and futures of your respective mentee.
Finally, to the mentees. The SEET team passionately believe that everyone has the inviolable right to education. Our aim is to provide a bridge between the obstacles many of you first encounter in a new country, and the realisation of your future potential, which will undoubtedly enrich Swiss society.
One of history’s most famous philosophers said: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
As those at the ETH in Zürich departed for their homes post-event, there will inevitably be times in future when their path ahead presents another hurdle. We are certain of one thing though. That if someone trips, they will find their mentor ready to pick them back up again.