People who return to Afghanistan after living in Germany say it often feels strange at first. This is why the “International Psychosocial Organisation” (Ipso) provides a space for exchange. Here, project coordinator Mustafa explains how he and the Ipso team encourage social dialogue as well as social integration.
“Everybody should feel comfortable here. This is why our centre is called Kolba-ye ma in Pashto (‘Our hut’)”. A kolba is a place which feels friendly and familiar. Kolba-ye ma is one of the six Ipso projects in Afghanistan which are supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Kolba-ye ma has recently closed down.
As well as our centre in Kabul there is another one in Jalalabad in the province of Nangarhar. Returnees know they can find somebody who understands them there, because the people available to talk to are in a similar position. People without migration experience are also welcome. Local people who are thinking of emigrating illegally can hear first-hand how difficult life in a foreign country can be, and what emotional, financial and social challenges it involves.