This is an inspiring article written by Mr Paul Tamankag which was published on Diaspora Glitz hardcopy magazine issue 3 of 2019
Without a doubt, migration is a defining issue of this century. One billion people, one-seventh of the
world’s population, are migrants. Some 258 million people are international migrants, 40 million are
internally displaced and 24 million are refugees or asylum seekers. In 2018, there is no longer a single
state that can claim to be untouched by human mobility.
The reasons why people decide to migrate are multiple and complex. They include the absence of
employment opportunities in their countries of origin, the scarcity of health and education services,
or the desire to reunite with family members already in other countries: they are a combination of
choice and constraints. But we cannot overlook that armed conflict and other situations of violence
are major drivers forcing people to leave their homes. Whatever the motives, mixed population flows
are the result and a phenomenon, which challenges policy making today.
The consequences of migration are usually not predetermined, due to various stages of uncertainty
that may arise, to deter the motive of the migrant to relocate. The present state of migration debates
is challenging the academic, humanitarian, development and government actors to look at migration differently given that the rhetoric of migration is changing. Migrants are being viewed through a negative lens instead of agents of development to their country of origin or their host country. The duration it takes a migrant to adapt to the new environment determines how soon to realize
integration with the society. Some migrants tend to adjust sooner than others, through social
interaction and engagement in economic activities (Botero, Weissing, Wright, & Rubenstein, 2015).
Assimilation Vs Integration
The decision to cross an international boundary for the purpose of relocation, presents various opportunities as well as challenges. The foremost challenge a migrant encounter is culture shock,
which is often caused by initial physical experience on arrival at destination. The culture of host communities often differs from that of the migrant, hence the difficulties in adapting to the language, religion, values and lifestyle choices of the host community. The challenges in assimilation are experienced by both host and migrants. The hosts may not easily comprehend the culture of the migrant, hence the resistance in accommodating migrants, especially refugees (Whitaker, 2015).
Migrants have very high expectations that may not be fulfilled at destination, hence, the disappointment and frustrations that ensue (Creighton, 2013). The first expectation of a migrant is to secure a meaningful job for immediate sustenance while they seek more sustainable opportunities. Migrants often to consider the probability of finding employment in the host country overlooking potential barriers that may prevent access to the jobs they desire. They often ignore an assessment of the nature of the labour market before migrating. Some labour markets do not permit migrants, due to the limitations that exist, such as an overwhelming labour market, youth bulge, limited vacancies and government restrictions.
Social cohesion between migrants and host communities occur when they are in agreement over
shared resources, such as land, infrastructure and economic activities (Spoonley, Peace, Butcher, &
O’Neill, 2005). The growth of migrant population is also dependent on the sustained friendliness and
compromises between migrants and host communities (Kawachi & Berkman, 2000). Social cohesion
may occur from social and economic relations. For example, when migrants provide services that are
in high demand or of significant importance to the host community, whereby the host community
lacks the capacity to provide similar services (Friedberg & Hunt, 1995). These services may range
from household requirements to public utilities. The host communities may also be in admiration of
the migrants’ culture, which would enable ease of integration and assimilation between the migrants
and the hosts.
According to (Anne Gallagher President, International Catholic Migration Commission 2018),
integration is the delicate, critical transition of the migrant from outsider to insider – the process by
which migrants become a part of their new community. Successful integration is hard to measure because it is multilayered, touching every part of the migrant experience, from education to housing, political participation and civic engagement. We might not be able to capture it well, but few doubt
its importance. While many migration issues remain hotly contested, integration is widely considered
to be a good thing for migrants and for the societies they have moved into.
My Journey as an immigrant …………
My journey as an immigrant started 16yrs ago when I made that difficult decision to relocate from the country of my birth to Finland for family reasons and in search of better opportunities. It has never been easy and was not easy for me either to leave my family, friends, established networks and took a leap of faith into the unknown. As the saying goes, “the distant grass looks greener”. If I may, my expectations where unrealistic as is the case with most migrants. My focus was more on the opportunities and less on the challenges that may ensue. Often time we are not well informed before we embark on such an uncertain adventure.
I got to Finland 2003 in the beginning of winter excited and looking forward to the land of milk and honey. My arrival was not very pleasant especially because it was already getting cold and dark. My first challenge was to deal with the cold and darkness of winter then the language barrier, cultural shock, prejudices etc. I must insist that despite these challenges, I quickly lowered my expectations and changed my reality, which naturally ties with the instinct of adaptation. I made a check list of my challenges, resources and priorities to guide me navigate my integration process. Clearly
identifying your problems, your strengths and abilities and setting goals how to overcome them is very necessary for real and systematic progress.
The first thing on my mind was economic integration but I quickly realized my previous education
and experiences didn’t really count much in my new environment. I couldn’t even be hired for the
most basic jobs because I didn´t speak Finnish language neither did I have the necessary paper work.
The Cameroonian community back then was not as big and resourceful as it is today, which further
complicated matters. I was fortunate to follow my better judgement and made strategic decisions
which included:
➢ Learn the language which is indispensable for proper integration. Communication builds trust
between host community and migrant.
➢ Associate with friends with shared values and principles – networking is very crucial for proper
integration. Through friends you get exposed to different opportunities.
➢ Make a realistic assessment of the job market/opportunities and make your choices based on
availability. Educate yourself in those areas of least competition and most demand. Economic
integration is very important in order not to be considered a liability by your host country.
My background is in the sciences, I studied Geology and worked for EXXON Mobile Oil Company for
3½years as an environmental monitor in petroleum exploration projects in Africa just before my trip
to Europe. It was a great experience working with such an international conglomerate, which helped
me develop multicultural skills and suppressed my prejudices. What I am trying to say here is that
your previous experiences are a tool box that can help you make strategic decisions under very difficult circumstances. “Create your own experiences and not try to live the experiences of
others”
After a careful assessment of the job market in Finland and the possibilities available, I thought it will be wise to pursue a professional education. I was fortunate to know a few people who were in the health sector, they very much encourage me to do same. I was hesitant at first because I was still inclined to furthering my education in Geology but made a strategic decision to go down the path of Healthcare, which was in high demand and had the least competition. There were other quick alternatives like cleaning, kitchen help/dish washing, paper distribution which I considered a stepping stone while you educate yourself for a carrier. I am not saying that it’s out of place to do
the above mentioned jobs but one can always be more ambitious and seek better alternatives based
on our potentials.
Knowing the importance of communication/language, I enrolled for an intensive 6 months Finnish
course which gave me a good foundation to build on. In 2005 I decided to get a place for myself in
Laurea University for Applied Sciences to study nursing. Back then Finnish language was not a
prerequisite as it is today so it’s always an advantage to take the opportunity when it comes because
things are changing all the time. My previous higher education and experience was an added advantage for me. I got a place and started my studies August 2005 and quickly rounded it up.
December 2008 with outstanding performance. After the first year of my studies, I already started
working as a nurse due to the high demand.
I also took advantage of the connection my lovely wife had established within the health sector to
expand my own network. She had just graduated as a registered nurse when I arrived Finland. After
I completed my education as a Nurse anesthesia, I worked briefly in the operating room and then
moved to pre and post-surgical ward where there was less pressure on my language skill then. Over
time my language improved and I was able to land a permanent job with Espoo city hospital where I
have worked since 2009.
Back then many immigrants especially men did not appreciate very much nursing and thought it was
something for the ladies, which I considered old school of thought. I always knew that becoming a
nurse is a means not the end. While studying for my Bachelor in Nursing, I made a good impression
on my lecturers with my performance and motivation to engage. I was part of many collaborative
research projects between LAUREA and partners (companies and organizations). I was privileged to
be part of the T3 project which was a great EU concept to build modern suburban cities that are self-
sufficient. This project is ongoing and includes the areas (Keilaniemi, Otaniem and Tapiola). LAUREA
was researching on the health aspects of this project.
After five years of working experience as a registered nurse I decided to further my education with
the hope of improving my job. I started a master’s programme in healthcare 2012 and finished 2013
with focus on Innovation and Leadership. After my studies I was very fortunate to be employed as a
part-time lecturer in Laurea University of Applied Sciences. I lecture internal medicine and clinical
physiology in the beginning and in the later years also lectured anatomy and physiology to nursing
students. I supervise students during practice placements and also assist with clinical workshops. It
has been a fulfilling 6yrs working for such a great organization.
Apart from the above mentioned, I have created a small company (Premium hoivapalvelu) a company
that provides basic and specialized care to patients at home and service homes. I have also been part
of community building with many activities organized to educate and empower immigrant population
in Finland through different association (HEED association, Heart association, Diabetic association,
Moniheli etc. Participating in community activities is one way of giving back and creating a positive
impact.
It has been a very challenging journey but I did not lose focus of the most important and rewarding
thing of life (FAMILY). I am married and have four beautiful kids. My first daughter just finished high
school, my second will finish high school next year and the two younger ones are in 7th and 2nd grade
respectively. It’s not been easy to combine career and family but thank God for giving us the strength
and the wisdom. The support of my spouse can’t be over emphasized and I will be ever indebted to
her.
I will conclude by saying that everyone has their story and every story is different. My counsel is that
immigrants should have realistic expectations, adjust quickly to their new environment, educate
themselves based on the needs of their new society (Hands on jobs) and be ready to learn the
language for communication is a bridge between immigrant and host. There is plenty of opportunity
around but you just need to have the right attitude, associate with the right people and give your
best.
