Changing her destiny
San Sebastian, Spain
Institutions involved
NGOs, Religious Bodies
Initiative Typology
Legal assistance (translation services in interaction with authorities) , Intercultural integration (neighborhood associations, religious bodies…) , Work opportunities, Language or/and culture courses
Problem addressed
She is very well integrated at present, although she says that her language skills are not yet perfect, so she is looking for further training to achieve better integration. She is working, but is not yet living independently, although she is thinking of looking for a small studio for herself and her son, as her salary allows her to do so.
Resilience strategies addressed by women
She says she wants a good future for her son and for herself, not wanting to remember in depth all the suffering she has experienced in her country. She relies on her brother who lives in the same city and on the help of the nuns in the house where she currently lives, as well as the association that has given her many opportunities to get training and find work, so that she feels independent and in control of her life.
Description of the integration initiative implemented
The most important aspects to take into account for their integration are:
- Family in the country of destination which is a great support.
- During the time spent at the association, she receives information about her rights.
- She is referred to a second-stage resource where she receives training and accompaniment in her integration.
- The support network established both with the members of the second phase resource as well as the first phase resource.
- Informal support network established with neighbours and acquaintances once settled in her new home.
- Work opportunities with which she feels fulfilled and which allow her to have independence.
Personal story
The woman interviewed comes from Larache (Morocco) and left her country in search of a better life for herself and her child after years of physical and psychological abuse by her husband. In her country of origin, she worked in a shoe factory. She has only one son who is currently living in Spain with her and they are both independent.
From the very beginning her idea was to travel to Spain and stay there.
She arrived on the Andalusian coast in May 2019 by boat, after having applied for a visa and having been refused, accompanied by 42 people, including her son and brother. She is referred to the Ödos Programme, where she is informed of her rights and receives various training.
The child integrates well among his peers, although he initially engages in violent behaviour.
At present, she has relationships with women of her own nationality and culture, as well as with women of different nationalities.
He currently has relationships with people of the same nationality.
He is now very well in Spain and says he does not want to leave this country.
Analysis of the initiative and individual story
Legal area:
- Both she and her son are awaiting the resolution of their asylum case.
Resources and support:
- Associations have been and are key in her integration process.
- The network of supports established through the contacts created during her stay in the associations have allowed her to meet many people and access trainings.
Networks and participation:
- Formal and informal networks facilitated by the first reception resource.
- Maintaining social relations with women from the same culture.
- Maintenance of relations with her family both in her country of origin and in Spain.
Cultural identity:
- Maintenance of cultural practices guided by faith.
- Adaptation to new cultural practices in Spain.
Resilience strategies:
- Ability to leave suffering behind and focus on the present moment as well as the better future it can provide for their family.
Results and Impact
The interviewee acknowledges that her life has changed for the better as she is now calm and her son is very well integrated. She says that her son is currently studying with very good results and her relationship with his peers is very good, as well as feeling fulfilled in the work she does.
