SEET is the only organisation in Switzerland that supports refugees’ access to higher education, independently of universities themselves. SEET’s Study Support Program pairs refugees with mentors who provide invaluable support in navigating the Swiss system.
We spoke to Daniel Halter to find out more about his personal motivation in becoming a SEET mentor, to learn about his experience, and to ask what he would say to someone interested in following in his steps.
Daniel. Tell us about your personal background, and what you are currently doing?
After studying cell biology at ETH Zurich and obtaining a PhD in molecular biology in Cambridge in the UK, I worked in research for several years before discovering my passion in education.
I worked as a teacher in Switzerland and abroad and held various management positions in higher education, including at the University of St. Gallen, ETH Zurich and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. I retired a few years ago and now work part-time as a senior consultant at a management consultancy in Bern, and as a leadership coach. I recently fulfilled a boyhood dream and obtained a professional truck driver’s licence.
When and where did you first become aware of SEET, and its Study Support Program?
At a meeting a couple of years ago I made the acquaintance of Alessandra Iacopino, former member of the board of SEET. She spoke very positively about SEET and encouraged me to apply to be a mentor. A conversation with President Nora Diethelm finally convinced me to join SEET as a mentor.
What factors inspired you to apply to be a Mentor?
SEET supports highly qualified refugees in finding a way and a university to start or continue their education.
Through my various activities in the field of education from kindergarten to university, in Switzerland and abroad, I believe I have knowledge of the Swiss education system and can provide support in navigating this process.
Furthermore, I regard it as a waste of talent for (Swiss) society if these young minds aren’t allowed to fully contribute their skills and labour. As an educator (and a parent), I have seen what education can achieve in terms of opening new perspectives and realising dreams of an independent and fulfilling life. Making a small personal contribution to support people who have to rebuild their lives due to dramatic circumstances seems to me, a worthwhile commitment.
Tell us about your mentee, how your relationship developed, and what support you provided?
My mentee was a teacher in her home country. She and her husband had to spend several years in prison because they were accused of supporting the wrong political side. After serving their sentence, they took the opportunity to leave the country with their children and eventually came to Switzerland. Here, she is trying to find a job as a teacher again and obtain the necessary qualifications.
From our first meeting, we had a very trusting relationship. She gave me insights into her past and her extraordinary life experiences.
I have the utmost respect for how she and her family have dealt with their situation and continue to do so. We met regularly to evaluate different educational paths, find suitable German courses and find out who in my network could help her in her situation. Often, we just talked about life or cultural differences.
Has your mentoring experience met your expectations? What have you learned from this experience?
My mentoring experiences have by far exceeded my expectations. The support I received from the members of SEET was fantastic. All my questions were answered immediately and helpfully. The staff at SEET were always helpful and patient and have extensive knowledge of refugee issues.
The bilingual workshops were conducted with great commitment and warmth.
I learned that it is worthwhile to follow up with the authorities in order to find solutions. I also had the opportunity to get to know a new human being and her life story and to experience an enriching collaboration.
To anyone considering applying to be a SEET Mentor, would you recommend it, and if so, could you please explain why?
Absolutely. Especially if you are interested in people, their backgrounds and cultures, want to work towards a fairer world, are willing to make your network available to others, are prepared to accept and tolerate language barriers, take pleasure in others’ success and may have contributed to it in some small way, enjoy interacting with others and finding ways to achieve mutually agreed goals.
If you are open to questioning and revising your values and views about others, then the mentoring programme is a sometimes emotionally touching, challenging, but very enriching opportunity to use your experience and contacts to help improve another person’s prospects and bring qualified talent into society.
If you would be interested in supporting SEET as a future mentor, donor, partner or volunteer, please email us at: seet@seet.ch
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