This August 1, as the Swiss celebrate their national day, Switzerland for UNHCR invites you to discover an inspiring story of hope, commitment and connection. Meet Jawad, a 34-year-old Afghan refugee, for whom Switzerland is more than just a host country. It’s his new home.
Since arriving in 2021, Jawad has been bringing together the residents of his refugee centre and the people of Geneva through one simple, but unifying, activity: volleyball. With his unrelenting smiles, his desire to help others, and volleyball games, Jawad has brought down walls and built a vibrant community where strangers become neighbours.
From displacement to belonging
Born in Iran to Afghan parents who fled the war, Jawad recalls: “I’ve never owned a passport. Getting work was complicated, so was getting a driver’s licence or simply opening a bank account.” In 2019, despite the risks, Jawad decided to leave Iran.
Two years later, on October 14, 2021, he arrived in Switzerland. What he heard first changed everything: you are welcome here.
“That is the first thing I was told when I got to the reception centre in Zurich. It was such a strange feeling, to know that you had the right to exist somewhere. I was extremely touched.”
Building bridges, one game at a time
In Geneva, Jawad discovered a city that thrives on openness, inclusion and creativity. “I started making tea at the centre twice a week. It was a simple thing to do, but it let people know that they were welcome. Then, we installed a net in the courtyard, and we started playing among neighbours.” What started as a few exchanges became a community ritual.
“At first, I did not like volleyball. It hurt my hands! But I saw how it brought people together. Now, we play every Tuesday and Friday. Players are from Afghanistan, from Ukraine, and from all over, young and old. Even those who don’t wish to play come to socialize and enjoy a cup of tea.”
In other words, it’s not about the sport, it’s about what volleyball has created: community.
“Helping others has always been in my heart”
Jawad did not stop there. He participates in competitions, both playing and volunteering, he interprets for Farsi speakers with the Red Cross, and he supports the elderly where he lives by doing their groceries.
“It’s not much, just one or two hours a week. But I love helping, I need to, it’s always been in my heart.”
He also worked from time to time with the Hospice général (the Swiss public welfare office), cleaned rooms in his former residence, gave out breakfasts, and supported neighbourhood activities. “Thanks to all these things, I have made friends. I’m no longer alone.”
Geneva, a city that welcomes
Today, Jawad lives in the Saint-Jean neighbourhood of Geneva, where he continues to nurture the sense of belonging he helped build at the refugee centre. “The neighbours here are very nice. I stay in touch with people from the centre, we barbeque or go to the open-air cinema on the lake. Geneva is full of sports and culture.”
August 1 is not just a public holiday. It holds a special meaning.
“Last year, I went to the La Grange park. There was entertainment, dancing, sports events… and we even played volleyball. I’ll go back this year. It’s such a special day, you can’t just stay home, it’s about celebrating together!”
A message for refugees and Swiss citizens alike
Knowing what it feels like to arrive in Switzerland as a refugee, Jawad would like to extend this heartfelt advice to any new refugee: “Wait patiently for your resident’s permit. Learn the language. And mostly, go out, meet people, play sports, volunteer. That’s how you’ll feel at home.”
And to the Swiss people:
“We are not here on holiday. We had to flee because of war. Above all, we want to rebuild our lives. Switzerland is allowing us to do so, thank you for your hospitality and your kindness!”
The power of small acts
After three years in Geneva, Jawad has shown that integration does not require grand gestures. Sometimes it starts with a shared cup of tea, a borrowed volleyball net and a helping hand.
Integration does not happen overnight; it is built one day at a time, through communication and intention. Jawad knows this and wants others to understand it.
In a country where unity in diversity is celebrated on August 1, Jawad’s story reminds us that hospitality is lived and quietly shaped, day after day.