NEW IMAGES – True story: ‘I had a few English lessons in my home country before I arrived and knowing another language has helped me a lot with all the adjustment processes here. Of course, for many foreigners here, the most important thing is to know the Slovenian language. Compared to that, the rest is almost insignificant.” (Irene from the Dominican Republic)
The BODE+ project (#BrezOvirDoEnakostiinpravic), which we are implementing together with ADRA Slovenia and the Gmajna Cultural Association, is committed to empowering people with a migrant background in the field of advocacy, as they often do not have the right opportunity to present their side of the story. This time, however, it is different – by sharing real stories, we are fighting against the prejudice that migrants are not educated or trained enough to participate equally and qualitatively in the social progress of Slovenia.
This is Irena’s story.
My name is Irene Marte, I am from the Dominican Republic. I am the eldest of five siblings. I finished high school and started studying medicine at university, but for personal reasons, I was unable to finish.
However, since I could not finish my degree, I focused on some technical courses that allowed me to advance professionally in the sales field. Eventually, I turned my attention to crafts and jewelry.
I came to Slovenia in February 2018 on a work visa, but with my ex-boyfriend who helped me get here and gain experience.
I can honestly say that I am a “lucky person” because I got some English lessons before I arrived in my country and the second language has helped me a lot with all the adjustment processes here. Coming from a Latin American country, my mother tongue is Spanish and many people here understand it to some extent, but not everyone can speak or understand it fluently. Knowing English makes everything easier, not only here but also in other countries where they do not speak Spanish. Of course, for many foreigners here, the most important thing is knowledge of the Slovenian language. Compared to that, the rest is almost unimportant.
I am now working in an Italian restaurant where I am learning the language and I feel very comfortable because I am learning and improving my Slovenian every day. But I am most happy to be part of the board of the Latin Society. I see a way in which I can help, connect, and strengthen the Latin community in Slovenia and also work with other associations with the same interests. And so I am convinced that I will do even more.
The biggest problem for us is really the language and we would like to learn more of it, even though it is difficult. The second is adapting for different reasons (culture, food, weather, people’s characteristics). We all have different experiences and circumstances.
We are fighting against stereotypes, discrimination, and prejudice. It is important to stand together for social justice, equal treatment, and opportunities for all members of our society. Let us be tolerant, friendly, and open to new faces, new acquaintances, and opportunities for people to surprise us positively as great employees, talented individuals, or just loyal friends. Although we are different, we are all equal.
“The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.”
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 “𝑩𝑶𝑫𝑬/𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒛 𝑶𝒗𝒊𝒓 𝑫𝒐 𝑬𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊” 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝟒𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 – 𝒕𝒐 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
