The story of a flight from Eritrea
Tesfasillassie
Tesfasillassie, who was born near the capital, attended school in his hometown up to the eleventh year. He then became a professional football player, while simultaneously being active in the military. In 2011, he decided to flee the country as a result of the political situation.
Fleeing was a true ordeal, starting his trip by foot to Ethiopia (around two-and-a-half days) before spending roughly two weeks in a refugee camp. We can hardly imagine such a period – characterised by fear, uncertainty, homesickness, hunger, and thirst. He continued his journey onto Kenya and then South Sudan. On 17 July 2012, Tesfasillassie finally had the opportunity to take an airplane into Switzerland – a very special part of the journey, not only flying for the first time but also enjoying prospects of a future life in security.
With his residence permit not yet issued, he was not allowed to work at the beginning. That’s when Tesfasillassie decided to make good use of this time and take German classes, helping him pursue his personal goals and opening new opportunities to a better life in Switzerland.
Today, Tesfasillassie is married and a proud father of two young children.
Atakliti
Atakliti had a very similar experience. He too attended school in his hometown up to the eleventh year. In 2016, he decided to flee to Libya, via Sudan, hoping to have better future perspectives in Europe. He has terrible memories of his journey, describing it as something he hopes to never experience again. Atakliti recounts that he barely had anything to eat or drink during his flight, having to spend several days in a small car with many other refugees to continue onwards. The situation in the refugee camp in Libya – in which he spent over a month – was equally taxing. The refugees barely had enough food, with too many people crowded together in the camp, without being allowed to leave.
With the help of his older brother, Atakliti managed to flee to Italy in a small boat in April of 2016. On the way there, the refugees were rescued by a large Spanish ship. The crew did not hesitate and immediately cared for the stowaways on the small refugee boat. Atakliti spent nine months in Italy, before receiving his permanent residence permit for Switzerland. He could now start his new life there!
Kuehne+Nagel connects two stories
Tesfasillassie and Atakliti share a common destiny. They’ve gotten to know each other at Kuehne+Nagel and are now good friends, almost brothers.
Tesfasillassie started his first initial traineeship in 2015. After he took another one at Kuehne+Nagel in Switzerland. He was then given the opportunity to assume an apprenticeship as a logistician at our Embrach location. Three years later, he successfully completed his education and started building a solid existence in Switzerland.
And also Atakliti is working at Kuehne+Nagel, completing his education to become a warehouse clerk. With incredible commitment, drive, and success, he has grown to become a vital part of the local team.
Tesf
asillassie was a great support for Atakliti in every single way. They both describe the same challenges and difficulties associated with fleeing one’s home country: a new culture, new climate, and above all the language (both described Swiss German as being even more difficult ). Naturally, a strong sense of homesickness and lack of contact with their families places a constant burden on both of them; they will always yearn for such an important part of their lives!
At work, they both value the helpfulness of all their direct colleagues. The team has grown into a family, and offer valuable support, says Atakliti. Both are given the opportunity to develop themselves each and every day, personally as well as professionally, learning new things along the way.
When asked what the two of them wish for their futures, Tesfasillassie replies that he hopes Kuehne+Nagel will open a branch in Eritrea. He would be able to regularly work with the branch and once again come closer to his home country and family. Atakliti has some dreams as well: he would first like to complete his education, to then hug his mother as soon as possible, and start his own family.
We are delighted to have been able to help Tesfasillassie and Atakliti build a new, safe life.