From a law degree in Syria to a tracklaying apprenticeship in Switzerland: Dilzar Mosa has left war and insecurity behind to give his family a future. The 38-year-old found a new home in Appenzell – and at WALO he found not only a career, but also courage and new prospects.
When Dilzar Mosa held his Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training as a Tracklayer in his hands in the summer, he was overcome by a feeling he hadn’t experienced for a long time: “It was like freedom and security at the same time,” he says. It was a moment that not only marked the end of an apprenticeship, but the beginning of a new life.
The journey to get there was long. Dilzar grew up in a small village in Syria and went on to study law in Damascus – a time filled with both hope and adversity. “There was often no electricity and in winter the rain came through the school roof. But the most difficult thing was having no prospects.”
The civil war destroyed everything that once seemed possible. In 2016, Dilzar fled with his wife Halima and their son Rojan. Their journey passed through Türkiye, Greece and Germany. And then, on the way, his son Pelan was born. “Three of us set off, four of us arrived in Switzerland,” said Dilzar, smiling.
New start in Appenzell
The family found more than just a roof over their heads in Appenzell. “The integration centre helped us enormously,” said Dilzar. “We got the chance to learn German – and they even helped me to find an apprenticeship.” It was the first time in a long time that a future was once again in sight.
Dilzar knew that he didn't want just any job, but a career with a future. When he saw the list of possible apprenticeship programmes, it quickly became clear that tracklayer was the right choice. “I like working outdoors. You get to see nature and at the end of the day you know what you’ve achieved.”
WALO took a chance on him
Dilzar found his way to WALO via a trial apprenticeship and an internship. His talent soon became apparent. Nevertheless, the path to graduating with the Federal VET Diploma would prove to be a challenge: “I was the oldest in my class – almost twice as old as the others,” he said, laughing. “Sometimes they joked that I could be their father.”
But age was not the most difficult thing. The distance between the construction site, the vocational school in Lucerne and home in Appenzell was a challenge for the whole family. “The children missed him,” says Halima. “But we both knew what we were doing it for.” Today, the family can breathe a sigh of relief. “We are proud – of him, of us, of what we have achieved together,” she says.
Dilzar feels supported by WALO. “My line managers trusted me, even when my German wasn’t yet perfect. That gave me courage.”
Future in the new home
Today, Dilzar is a permanent member of the tracklaying team in Goldach – with prospects and the desire to progress professionally. The family no longer wants to leave Appenzell. “It’s small and close-knit. We feel at home here,” says Dilzar.
He brought one tradition with him from Syria: for him, Christmas doesn’t mean presents, but spending time around the table, eating together, talking, laughing. “The focus is on spending time together,” he says. This is a recurring theme – then as much as now.
What does he want for the future? “Health, peace – and for my children to get the opportunities that I never had.”
Never give up
His message to others travelling a similar path: “Never give up. Even if it’s difficult – you can achieve anything with courage, diligence and willpower.” And what are his own goals? “I want to continue my education – maybe become a foreman or site supervisor one day. I’m still a long way from reaching my goal.”
Dilzar Mosa shows that anyone can write a new chapter in life – if someone believes in them and they believe in themselves. At WALO, he has found not only a career, but also a future.
.jpg?tr=:ar-3-2,w-1100,fo-auto "A construction worker in orange safety gear and helmet holds an iron bar in front of an old building and a railway barrier.")
