HALA AND MERHAUWI

“The best part of the experience was when we had reached the top of the mountain and I saw the horizon. It reminded me of when me and my grandmother were watching it together in Eritrea”  

“Nature and the water has a calming effect on me”

Hala and Merhauwi joined the two first UTVANDRA projects in Höga Kusten. Both already had an interest in the outdoors and had explored nature in their home countries, Syria and Eritrea. Hiking in the Swedish nature was, however, new to them both. When they were introduced to UTVANDRA in school, Hala and Merhauwi were eager to join the adventure. 

Before the first hike there were some worries in the group. Some of Hala and Merhauwi’s friends did not like to be out in nature and feared things like heavy fog and getting dirt on white shoes, and then fears turned into doubt. One of Hala’s friends was afraid of heights and was too scared to aim for the top of the mountain. Hala explained that it was okay to be afraid and that it was OK for her friend to stay where she felt the safest. Friendship and supporting each other made these struggles disappear. 

“When you are out in the nature with friends and you see beautiful things, negative thoughts just jump out of your head” 

The main goal with UTVANDRA is to connect people from different cultures and to together explore Swedish nature. Merhauwi describes how his relationship with many of his classmates has changed after UTVANDRA; exploring nature together made people open their eyes, and as the day went on, friendships began forming. They got time to get to know each other better and connect, all while having fun, feeling relaxed and energized from the fresh mountain air. Both Hala and Merhauwi found new friends during these two days – friends for a lifetime.

“Before he was just a person I said hello to in school, now he is my best friend”

Hala explains how nature allows her to leave her social media bubble and have exciting new experiences. Hala and Merhauwi remember the warm feeling from being outside for a whole day and particularly the good night sleep afterwards. 

“The feeling after UTVANDRA was just WOW”

They are both excited for upcoming UTVANDRA adventures, and next time they hope to get the chance to sleep in a tent for the first time – hopefully on top of a mountain under the stars.

Great thanks Hala and Merhauwi /THE OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE