Mum-of-four helps refugees: «I don't want to duck away!»
Mrs Kelly, why are refugees so important to you that you invest so much time and energy?
I just don't want to duck away. It could have been us too. We're just lucky that we live in a stable and peaceful country like Switzerland. If I can help, it's a matter of course for me.
Why didn't you simply donate money to a large organisation, but set off on your own?
The news about the wave of refugees and the camps came as a shock to me. I simply wanted to act immediately. The first time we travelled there quite chaotically and looked at how we could help. Then it became more and more organised. With fundraising for our activities and a community of volunteers.
How much time do you invest in your commitment?
20 hours a week in quiet times. I'm away from home for a maximum of two weeks at a time for the relief trips.
Many parents will now be asking themselves whether their week has more than 7 days...
(Laughs.) No. But I'm in a privileged situation at the moment. Since the twins arrived, I've been at home 100 per cent and my husband works. My mother-in-law lives near us and we had an au pair until recently. That gave me some breathing space. Nevertheless, I've also had to learn that I can't do everything. It would take so much more help than I can give. But I know the warning signs of when you're slipping into burnout and I know how to recognise my personal limit. What's more, my family is my top priority. If something were to happen at home, I would go home immediately.
What do her older boys say about her commitment?
They really like it and often help sort clothing donations. They also know refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan personally because they visit us at home. They proudly talk about this at school. One moment particularly impressed me: my son defended a boy from a migrant background at his school when he was being bullied. He said to the other children: «You don't even know what he's been through.»
How do you talk to your children about war?
Relatively sober. They know that our friends have lost family members and their homes. But we don't embellish that. No horror stories.
Would you say that your children are afraid of war?
No more than other children. When Trump was elected, they probably talked about it at school. Afterwards, my eldest son asked me if there was going to be a third world war.
What did you answer?
That it doesn't look like that at the moment.
And he was happy with that?
He replied that it certainly didn't always look like war would break out soon in Syria either... But that he simply hoped that there would be people who would help us if we were ever affected.
How do you deal with the burden of hearing traumatic stories again and again?
I had nightmares at the beginning. But over time, I've learnt to deal with them. And I make sure I take enough care of myself. I do a lot of sport and calm down by doing yoga and meditating. And I sleep enough, sleep is very important.
What advice would you give to parents who would also like to help?
There are now so many aid initiatives in Switzerland - certainly in your town too. Clothes are always needed - as are monetary donations. And if you have a week or two to spare: Accompany an aid initiative. It really is a valuable experience.
Information:
Fiona Kelly lives in Benken in the canton of St. Gallen. Her private aid organisation is called Beyond Borders. You can donate to the organisation or join the Facebook group .
If you would like to help refugees, you can also find information from Swiss Refugee Aid.
Read more:
- How young refugees enrich our schools
- Report: a day at school with refugee girl Amina
- School in the asylum centre: how does it work and what is learned here?