Bicycling for Belonging

Sharing through cycling

Objective:

To give a voice to minor refugees in Switzerland and help them integrate. We are organising a 1291km cycling trip around Switzerland with 11 young refugees, all from Afghanistan, who are discovering the joys of endurance cycling! The aim is to raise awareness and funds for our organisation, which has 3 goals:

1. Promote mental health and well-being by making physical activity accessible to all: we pay the membership fees of sports clubs and provide sports equipment
2. To provide material and human resources and moral support in their training: collection of computers, administrative and academic support.
3. to promote cultural exchange and understanding between young refugees and the local community. The sports events organised by the association are an opportunity for the young refugees to meet the local youth, to get to know each other and to better understand their culture and traditions.

The trip will start on 18 July in Sion and end on 1 August in Sion, the Swiss bank holidays.

Background:

Switzerland has always welcomed refugees, but integration is often difficult for minors. Our organisation specifically addresses their needs, such as access to education and employment, language learning and mental support.

The journey:

We will make stops in several Swiss cities, including Bern, Zurich/Altstätten, Geneva, Lausanne, …We will also visit federal refugee centres to learn from their experience.

the team

What they say. Giona, coach: «Defying the road to bring a message of hope and universal integration». Julien, coach: «to replace in part the parents who are not or no longer present».

Participants (https://www.minds-in-motion.org/nos-projets/biking-for-belonging-2023/les-participants)

Rohid «to get to know the people of Switzerland».

Javed «To meet the Swiss people».

Zohre «I really like to travel and do sports, I can’t travel in the current situation, Swiss tour by bike are like a big dream for me».

Morteza and Mubarak «To be away from stress (Sion) a little bit, and enjoy life a little bit».

Mammad «I am looking for the beauty that lies in nature and because I want to do this activity».

Alireza «Discovering new places with a lovely team. It will be a very special and unforgettable summer».

Mohammad «I like sport very much, I want to do this activity and I am happy to meet new people and have a good time together».

Vahid «Being together and a team».

Mahdi «Because I find it another great and wonderful adventure like «Esprit de cordée» and I want to live this beautiful experience with this exceptional group»

Qasim «I would like to cycle around Switzerland, it will be a good experience»

goal

Our goal is to raise CHF 25,000 through this trip to support our organisation and its mission. These funds will be used to provide education and employment opportunities, language courses and mental health support to refugee minors in Switzerland.

We offer various fundraising options, such as sponsorships, donations and the sale of goods. All donations are tax-deductible. We also encourage our followers to support the journey by sharing our social media posts, blog and video series, and encouraging others to donate:

1. Empowerment and support for refugee minors: Your donation will help provide educational and employment opportunities, language classes and mental support for refugee minors in Switzerland.
2. Raising awareness of the situation of refugee minors: Your donation will will raise awareness of the situation of refugee minors in Switzerland and the importance of supporting their integration and empowerment.

3. Making a real difference in people’s lives: Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of refugee minors in Switzerland and help them overcome the challenges of integration and empowerment.

4. Support an exciting journey: Your donation will support the 1291 km bicycle trip around Switzerland. A unique and fascinating journey that will give a voice to underage refugees.

5. Building a better future: Your donation will help create a better future for refugee minors in Switzerland and support the non-profit organisation.

6. Tax deductible: All donations are tax deductible.

7. Engagement with local communities: Your donation will support engagement with local communities and government officials to raise awareness of the situation facing refugees.

8. Supporting a unique fundraising opportunity: Your donation will support a unique fundraising opportunity that combines a trip with a cause, thereby raising funds.

9. Share stories and perspectives: Your donation will enable young refugees to share their stories and perspectives with local communities, officials and the media.