Six degrees of separation is the idea that all people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. How likely is it however that a Horticulture graduate from Italy and a football-loving Nigerian studying Computer Information Technology in Ukraine would forge a blossoming friendship in Switzerland?
Thanks to SEET’s (Support Education, Empower Together) study support programme, the above scenario evolved very quickly when Sofia Felicioni was selected as a mentor to Akeju Abidemi Tolulope in the spring of 2024.
Sofia was looking for a new challenge after completing her studies and research in Greenhouse Horticulture from Wageningen University. “I have a passion for Biology and the environment and specialise in growing plants. After graduating I was unemployed, so whilst I searched for a job, I decided I wanted to utilise some of my free time to help people” Sofia explained. “I saw a post on LinkedIn that SEET were recruiting people with experience of the Swiss education system to support refugees newly arrived in the country. I had navigated this ‘integration process’ myself after arriving in Zürich only one year ago, so I applied. After conducting an interview, I was informed I had been successful. Within a month, I met Akeju for the first time.”
After the conflict with Russia escalated, Akeju’s life in Ukraine quickly altered. From a peaceful existence furthering her academic ambitions, she found herself in Zürich. Another new country where she knew no-one, but did know what she was looking for. “I really didn’t know where I could find support, so literally just started googling about organisations that might help refugees in Switzerland” said Akeju. “I came across SEET’s website, read some of the testimonies from other people that the association had supported, and applied online. From there I was invited to an online interview, and subsequently learned I was successful.”
SEET’s programme not only provides each refugee (mentee) with the support of a mentor and a ‘buddy’, who is a volunteer member of the association. There are also a combination of in-person and online events, networking opportunities, and the option to apply for funding, whether to support the costs of a study course, or as a contribution e.g. towards a laptop.
“When I arrived in Zürich, what I really needed was some guidance, and a support network” Akeju continued. “I didn’t know how the education system or employment market worked in Zürich. You can imagine how tough that was at the beginning. After being first introduced to Sofia, we started to regularly meet in a library. She helped me with my CV, checked my applications, and more than a mentor, quickly became a friend. Together with our Buddy, we created a WhatsApp group, meet socially, and I know they are always available to give me some advice, or lift my spirits.”
The application period for new mentees and mentors interested in joining the programme in 2025 will open on 1 January until 15 February, with details set to be posted on the SEET-website.
“I would definitely recommend the experience” Sofia said with a broad smile. “There was perhaps a small element of luck, but I was really well matched with Akeju. We have very similar personalities and were both ‘fishes out of water’, as we were both new to a new city. We connected very quickly and that has made the work we’ve done together enjoyable and fun. As well as being able to help Akeju, our partnership and friendship has also taught me a lot about the experiences faced by refugees, especially all the different regulations.”
In recent months, Akeju has started a higher education course focused on Warehouse Logistics, after concluding a German language proficiency course.
“My biggest motivation is always to be a better person and to achieve as many of my goals as possible. I truly believe nothing is impossible” said Akeju with a glint in her eye. “I’m always keen to keep learning, to make new connections, and I believe no new knowledge is a waste. For any refugee in Switzerland considering applying for SEET’s programme, do it!”
If you’d like to know more about SEET or support SEET as a partner, join our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.