From Vukovar to Hamburg: Sinishha Balaz’ way to integration

From Vukovar to Hamburg: Sinishha Balaz’ way to integration

Hamburg. The story of Sinishha Balaz, who came to Germany as a refugee from Vukovar, illustrates the challenging but also hopeful path of many migrants. His career in the Catholic Archdiocese of Hamburg shows how important integration and support for the refugees are.

The courage to escape and the search for stability

Sinisha Balaz fled from Croatia in the early 1990s when the Yugoslav civil war caused devastating destruction in his homeland. Vukovar, a city with a painful story, was strongly hit and many people lost their lives. Balaz was in her mid -20s at the time and decided to flee Germany - a step that opened a new perspective on life.

a new beginning in a foreign country

The first months in Germany were characterized by uncertainty for Balaz and the challenge of gaining a foothold in a new environment. First he stayed with a tourist visa that was ultimately converted into toleration and later into a work permit. His initial jobs led him to McDonald’s and in the customs camp of Hamburg Airport before gaining a foothold in refugee aid.

The way to refugee aid

His pedagogical training and studying social work opened his way to Caritas, an important organization for the support of migrants in Hamburg. Today Balaz works as a speaker for migration and integration in the Archdiocese of Hamburg. This work is particularly important to him because from his own experience he knows the difficulties associated with life as a refugee.

important steps for integration

A central aspect of his work is the promotion of the German language. Balaz emphasizes that this is the first key to integration. "It is crucial to be open to new things and to actively participate in social life," says Balaz. With the support of Caritas, they help migrants to orientate themselves in their new homeland and find social stability.

advisory services for refugees

A special focus is on the new, independent asylum procedure advice that is at the side of refugee people in the asylum process. This measure was initiated to ensure that protection seekers are informed about their rights and the process of the procedure. Balaz reports that this offer is well received by the refugees in Hamburg, which underlines the need for such services. Two full -time positions were created to support groups in particular.

an outlook on the future

Balaz sees a great opportunity in integration and support for migrants, both for the newcomers and society as a whole. "We live here in a democracy and are free. This is a great gift," he says and encourages others: "Use your chances and learn the language."

(recorded by Edgar S. Hasse)

- Nag