Abir 49 - LumenaConecto

Interview Abir 49

Internship for employment

Abir is a trained midwife but went on sick leave due to a herniated disc. Her home municipality told her about the Lumena project and she is now doing job training as a customer host, which she enjoys. Before the project, she was sitting at home with pain, but today she feels fit and has regained her zest for life.

What was your living situation before joining Lumena?

I was trained as a midwife in Syria. I have taken several courses to complete my education in order to become a midwife in Sweden. Unfortunately, I have been prevented by an injury from my previous profession and I have been on sick leave for a long period due to a herniated disc. I have since been in contact with the municipality to get a suitable internship based on my personal situation. I got an internship as a customer host, which I think suits me well.

Did anyone inform you about the existence of the project? Did you have a contact here at the Establishment Centre before?

This happened through my contact with the municipality. I found out about the Establishment Centre and then I asked my case officer if there were opportunities for me to work with them. After that, I had an interview and was then allowed to join the project, which led me to an internship. Mine has lasted for four to five months and I am enjoying my internship very much.
During my traineeship, I have found that my colleagues appreciate me and my ability to work.

What opportunities did you feel you had to influence your life, before joining the project?

I have previously worked as a personal assistant but also as a childminder.
Those professions involve heavy physical labour and a lot of mobility. I informed about my injury and I clarified my personal needs and how I therefore needed to change my specialisation. I feel that I have been treated nicely and at the same time I have felt listened to and recognised, as my personal wishes were met.

In retrospect, my caseworker informed me about what my new job would entail. Some of my assigned tasks included; submission of reports, counselling of applicants and various types of computer work.
I feel that I can do my job well and language is not an obstacle.

I feel that I have been treated nicely and at the same time I have felt listened to and recognised, as my personal wishes were met.

What rights did you know you had before joining the project?

Among other things, I am aware of my right to a job that allows me to move around, but also to have access to a comfortable chair.
I have also experienced good treatment in the healthcare system.

Regarding life during the project, do you feel that your life has improved since you joined the project?

I am very happy with my new practice. Since before, I have been sitting at home while suffering from both cramps and pains. Nowadays, I feel energised and I am motivated to go to work. I also don't have as much pain in my body anymore, and in addition to working hours, I'm also more active at home. Of course, I can feel a bit tired after work, but I don't experience the same pains as before.

Thanks to all the efforts, I feel more alert and more active. I also feel that this positivity permeates my personal life and I now have fewer negative thoughts about illness. I also feel younger because I get out of the house more because of my internship. I feel that the project has both changed and improved my life.

Since before, I have been sitting at home while suffering from both cramps and pains. Nowadays, I feel energised and I am motivated to go to my internship.

Is there anything in the project that has been crucial for you?

I have a good caseworker who supports me. She is a good listener and she clarifies various ambiguities when I ask questions. In addition to the caseworker, the others around me are also helpful. I also feel that what I say is taken seriously and that I feel seen and heard.

Since you haven't finished the project yet, what is your future plan?

I feel that I want to continue with my internship. At the same time, I also want to take a couple of courses at Komvux to complement my knowledge in administration.

I feel that the project has both changed and improved my life

Is there anything in the project that you think we could improve?

I have a positive opinion of the project. It has given me very good support and I don't really know if there is anything missing. I feel that I have been given access to the right information, while the staff have been accommodating.

Do you have any personal reflections or anything you would like to add to the interview, beyond what I have already asked?

My current internship is more of an introductory job and it is currently only temporary. I would like to have the opportunity to become a permanent employee through my internship. It is unclear what the future holds, whether my position will still be available or not.

I feel that the project has both changed and improved my life