Memories for our Future

A COMMUNITY PROJECT
FRAUENFELD, SWITZERLAND

Together with refugees from the Peregrina Foundation, we shared life, laughter, and celebration — and painted their childhood memories and dreams on a wall as part of the Street Art Festival Frauenfeld.

What emerged were images of hope and togetherness in the midst of challenge — pictures that shape how we see their stories, and how they see themselves. They reminded us of the quiet strength that lives in beauty, hope, and community.

Elif’s* Story

Elif* spent nine years in prison in Turkey — simply for being Kurdish. Altogether, her family has spent sixty-nine years behind bars. When we first met her, she said, “What more do we have to prove? Isn’t nine years enough? We work, we learn your language — but if they don’t want us, then at least I’ll paint my story on a wall.”

A few weeks later, she did. Elif* spoke of her son, who grew up without her while she was in prison, and of her longing to drink tea with her family again. We drew her sitting with her son, two teacups between them on the wall. Elif* said afterward, “That was better than any therapy.”

When she came to paint, she added the outlines of the prison and the friends she left behind — with birds flying above the walls. It wasn’t an image of pain, but of longing, friendship, and freedom.

(*name changed)