Struggling with Integration: Afghan Family Expresses Concerns Despite Desire to Assimilate
Revamped Comment"Honk if ya love integration!" shouts Rana Azizi (36), chuckling at the whimsical thought. "Sometimes I feel like we're stuck in a time loop here," she continues, sharing her living situation with her husband Zabiullah (47) and their three spirited sons in Hamburg, Germany. They've been living in this vibrant city for near enough four years, and it's a minor miracle they communicate so fluently in German, especially considering their accommodations are frequented by speakers of Arabic, Turkish, and Persian.
Zabiullah chimes in, defending their financial independence: "People might think all refugees leech off the job center, but I've got a good job and can support my family!" Yet, they still reside in a sprawling refugee accommodation in Jenfeld, much like many families with multiple kids, they've yet to stumble upon an apartment to call their own. "Integration is tough sledding," confesses Zabiullah. "Here, we're just surrounded by foreigners, making it hard to rub elbows with Germans and practice the language."
On the off chance someone knows of a suitable dwelling for the family, here are some details: Wohnbrücke Hamburg, Tel. 040 334659033, wohnbrü[email protected], www.wohnbruecke-lawaetz.de
remarkably, the entire family has honed their German skills with remarkable proficiency in the nearly four years they've spent in Hamburg. Their eldest, Feizullah (17), just aced his intermediate exam and is already prepping for his Abitur. "School studies are a grind, especially since libraries close plenty early and only university libraries open their doors to those aged 18 and up," laments Feizullah, who aspires to become a doctor or perhaps a soaring aviation professional.
Struggle of an Afghan Family to Secure an Apartment
The humble abode of the Azizis spans just 64 square meters, where parents and children create order in the chaos of daily life. The older boys, Feizullah, Subhanullah (13), and Nahyan (10) share a room bunking down together, while their parents retreat into their own for privacy. The living room doubles as a makeshift classroom for the boys, dining room, and play area. It's an intimate space that seldom offers the solitude or quiet they need for focused studying and peaceful family dinnertime. The kitchen is too small for comfortable gathering, and the cramped conditions leave little room for the boys to invite friends home for playtime.
Housing Guide: "Spacious Living Quarters Rare as Hens' Teeth"
However, the cramped conditions aren't the only headache for the Azizis; the uncertainty of tenancy looms large. Refugees living in shared accommodations lack written rental agreements, leaving them vulnerable to being moved at a moment's notice should the need arise. This constant upheaval would be counterproductive to their efforts to settle and integrate into German society. And while the costs of living for the Azizis in the Jenfeld accommodation aren't astronomical, they're not low enough to make staying there an affordable long-term option either.
The municipal operator "Fördern und Wohnen" welcomes refugees who vacate their apartments, eager to provide stable homes to new families, but the availability of suitable accommodations remains unpredictable.
Stephan Peiffer, housing navigator for the "Wohnbrücke" project spearheaded by Lawaetz-wohnen&leben gGmbH, extends the family a helping hand. He offers guidance in navigating the digital housing market, assists them in completing applications, and utilizes his extensive industry contacts to secure better housing opportunities. Yet, since the Ukrainian war and an influx of new refugees, the number of housing offers has dwindled, leaving the "Wohnbrücke" initiative with a waiting list. Peiffer observes a shift in societal attitudes, noticing a decline in the willingness to aid refugee families like the Azizis.
Feizullah and his parents relentlessly search for apartments, either by periodic checks of certain online platforms or through applications to dozens of ads. Unfortunately, their efforts bear little fruit, as they've only been invited to view apartments five times and faced stiff competition in group viewings. "We'd settle for a four-bedroom apartment," says the family. Ideally, they'd prefer a location in east Hamburg for the children's schools but are open to relocating anywhere.
Additional Reading: Hamburg's Success Story – From Refugee Child to Police Officer
Despite their struggles, the dynamic family remains positive, keeping in mind that they've traded their grand home in Afghanistan to escape the clutches of the Taliban. Though their living conditions are less than ideal, they are safe, and that's what matters most. While Rana stays at home tending to her family, she also dedicates time to coordinating donations for "Afghanistan Schools," a charity in Oststeinbek where her husband works. Zabiullah, too, contributes as a project leader for "Visions for Children," an organization that empowers educational opportunities in Afghanistan and beyond.
Rana valiantly overcame the restrictions imposed by the Taliban in her native land, earning both a high school diploma and a driver's license before their oppressive rule took hold. She now drives proudly in Germany and aspires to contribute more than just home and hearth. "I have more to life than just cooking and cleaning, as the Taliban envision for women. I want to make a difference here in Germany," she asserts, reflecting her ambition to make a lasting impact in her new country. Her husband lends her his unwavering support, understanding and appreciating her determination to contribute beyond the domestic sphere.
[1] For those with asylum or international protection status, housing applications require proof for family reunification purposes, creating potential administrative hurdles.
The Azizi family, who have adapted exceptionally well to their new lifestyle in Germany, are actively seeking a larger home to accommodate their needs. Their dream home would ideally be a spacious four-bedroom apartment, preferably located in east Hamburg, as they aim to provide their children with a stable, conducive environment for learning and growth.
Their current home, while serving as a refuge from the Taliban in Afghanistan, is a cramped shared accommodation that lacks the space for focused studying and peaceful family dinnertime. The uncertainty of tenancy and the limited housing options for refugees are significant challenges for the Azizi family in their journey towards integration within German society.
