Lets Catch Up - 2025 So Far…
Hello Friends,
It’s been a minute since we were last in touch—so hello again, let’s catch up. Since our beginnings in 2022, Afro Swiss Families has always been a parent-driven community, built on the time, energy, and care of parents and caregivers. What has made this space so special is the way it reflects the real lives of the people who make it possible. Like so many of you, we are deep in the everyday rhythm of life and parenting—kindergarten drop-offs, school runs, bedtime stories, playdates, work commitments, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with family life. For a time, we managed to find balance between the demands of our households and our community work. But this year, as life grew fuller, something had to give, and our digital voice grew quieter. Still, even though we weren’t as loud online, we never stepped away. In fact, offline the community has been thriving, blossoming in ways that exceeded even our own hopes when we first came together.
The past nine months have been full to the brim with connection, play, and learning. In January, we launched the year with Family Fun at Kiddy Park, a gathering that reminded us how powerful it is to carve out time simply to laugh and play with one another. February gave us a chance to embrace creativity at our Block Printing Party, where families of all ages got to try something new and bring their imagination to life on fabric. In March, we slowed the pace with a cozy Board Game Sunday, a reminder that community doesn’t always need to be loud to be meaningful. April was all about connection and sharing as we gathered for our Easter Potluck – Family Fusion, where food became a bridge between cultures, traditions, and experiences. By May, the energy shifted again, and we came together for our Football Fun Day with Johsan Billingham, a day filled with movement, teamwork, and celebration. In June, we returned to Afro Pfingsten for another interactive book reading, a moment of cultural pride and storytelling that connected parents, children, and the wider community. Then, in July, we welcomed summer with a splash at Hallenbad Altstetten, where families spent the day enjoying the water, playing, and cooling off together.
As the summer continued, we also added two special experiences that deepened our sense of connection and adventure. In early September, we ventured into the the great Swiss outdoors for a family hike through the Riesenwald (“Giant Forest”) in Elm—an outing that invited us to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the beauty of Switzerland together. Later in September, rhythm and joy took center stage at our Drum and Dance Workshop with CoolKidZ, where children and parents alike moved, played, and celebrated through music and movement. Each of these moments, whether quiet or energetic, reminded us that the most powerful memories are often the simplest—an afternoon shared, a game played, a meal enjoyed, or a beat felt side by side.
Alongside these joyful gatherings, we also created intentional spaces for learning, reflection, and growth. This year we hosted two “Loving Me” workshops that touched on topics close to our hearts. The first workshop in collaboration with Verien Diversum, focused on navigating the Swiss school system, offering practical advice and insights for parents and caregivers trying to understand how best to support their children in a new or sometimes complex environment. The second, organized together with the Curlish team, created a safe and affirming space to talk openly about Afro-textured hair care. For many families, this was more than a workshop—it was a chance to ask the questions that aren’t always answered elsewhere, to share lived experiences, and to pass on knowledge that builds both confidence and pride in our children. In both workshops, what stood out most was the honesty and care in the room. We left feeling not only better informed but also seen and understood.
When we look back at what Afro Swiss Families has become, it’s humbling to see how something that began with casual meetups—potlucks, playdates, and small gatherings—has grown into something deeper and more meaningful. The friendships that have formed, the connections that have strengthened, and the sense of belonging that has taken root all speak to our core mission. Over time, this shared commitment has also led us to take an important next step: establishing the Afro Swiss Families Board, a group of dedicated parents and caregivers who will help guide our vision and ensure the sustainability of our community’s work. What we are building together is more than a calendar of events; it is a community where our families feel at home, where our children can see themselves reflected in their peers, and where we, as parents and caregivers, can draw strength from one another. It is a space that continues to evolve as we do—held together by the shared belief that we are stronger when we come together.
And the beautiful thing is that there is still so much more ahead. The year is far from over, and we have plans that will keep the spirit of togetherness alive. With two more Meet & Play gatherings and three more Parent & Caregiver events still to come, there will be many more opportunities to connect, celebrate, explore, learn, play, and reflect together. Whether you are joining for the first time or have been with us from the very beginning, we look forward to welcoming you into these spaces. Each event is another chance to weave new threads into the fabric of our community, another chance to show our children what it means to belong, and another chance to remind ourselves of the joy that comes when we gather.
As we look to the rest of the year, we do so with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to Afro Swiss Families. Every shared meal, every laugh, every question asked, and every hand offered in support has made this what it is today. Together we are building not only a community but also a space where our children feel affirmed, our families uplifted, and the richness of Afro Swiss and Afro European life celebrated. Thank you for walking this path with us, for showing up in the ways you can, and for helping us create something so meaningful. We cannot wait to see what the future will bring, and we look forward to sharing it with all of you.
Warmest,
The Afro Swiss Families Team
