Martina Huber
2024
Together We Thrive: Connection Through Play and Art

This initiative began two years ago after a conversation with Monique and Max. What started as an idea has now grown into a meaningful project. In July, we held a workshop with children and teenagers who had just arrived in Switzerland, many without their families. The workshop brought us together with their teachers and artist Yusuf Orhan. The public field by the stadium where we met, located close to the asylum center, remains a space where the young people can return, carrying with them the memories of this special day.
The goal was to foster a sense of community, revive traditional games, and provide a joyful escape from daily worries. As we gathered around a table to prepare food—chopping vegetables and kneading dough—conversations flowed naturally, forming connections through shared tasks. Some of the young participants shared stories of their difficult journeys, while others were curious to learn more about each other and us. These moments created a brief but meaningful sense of belonging, a space that felt deeply important even if only for a day.
Kurdish artist Yusuf Orhan, who has been living in Zurich for three years, introduced us to traditional street games from his artistic practice. These simple games, passed down through generations, transcend language barriers and bring people together. Laughter filled the air, and through play, we all experienced a sense of teamwork and joy that lifted our spirits.
Through our exchanges, we aim to plant seeds of connection, hope, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the emotional resilience and well-being. One example is Ali that I met during the very first workshop in 2022, he is now 18 and just started his commercial-technical apprenticeship in Zurich. He joined our youth group with other peers to continue the mission to create meaningful projects, he became part of our family.