I fled to Germany from Syria in 2016 because of the war. Then I lived directly in the dormitory in Alfred-Randt-Straße and stayed there for about one and a half years until we found a flat. During that time, I attended a welcome class to learn German. After a year, I knew German pretty well and started looking for an apprenticeship. But at first we didn't have internet at home and you really need support. It wasn't all that nice, but I kept going anyway and kept looking. And at some point we got an offer for a flat from degewo. We got the flat and I also found a training place as a medical assistant. In the meantime I have successfully completed the training and at the moment I am working at the refugee shelter teaching German to a few people. One family and another woman. Three people in the family use a wheelchair, they really need support. In the flat I live with my family, we are my parents and three brothers. I would like to move out to live with my girlfriend. But it's really, really hard to find a flat now. Of course we would like to find a flat nearby. But the main thing is to find one at all. But I really like it here, very quiet and there is a lot of water and green. And it's better here for my parents, too. I don't think they would live in Neukölln.
I'm still in Neukölln from time to time, but less than before. I've also become quieter. Not since I've had a girlfriend, but since I've had her, this girlfriend. We met at the apprenticeship, she's in her second year and I'm already done. I also feel much more comfortable here than in Neukölln. I don't like it when there are too many people in one place. Here on the shore I usually sit with my girlfriend, having a picnic. Sometimes I go swimming in Müggelsee. Apart from that, I also work here, at the refugee shelter, and I've also worked at "Der Würfel". And I would like to study, I have my entrance qualification for a technical college and I'm still young, 21 years old. Studying is nice because you get to know new people and it's just part of life. I applied to the HTW for health electronics and computer science. Going back is not an option for me. Neither now, nor later. I did my apprenticeship here and I will study here. If I were to start a family, I would do it here. I knew that when I started my apprenticeship. Or earlier than that even, I think. When I started to speak German. Communication is very important. If you can't communicate as a person, then you don't feel like you belong, you feel isolated.

This text was written as part of the exhibition "sprach-fähig" by BENN (Berlin Develops New Neighbourhoods) in the Allende district as part of the International Weeks against Racism. Many neighbours from the neighbourhood took part and shared their stories.

Photo: (Copyright) Leona Fritsche