Jassin Rezai: Integration must allow room for full identities – society belongs to everyone

For me, belonging is not just about being allowed to stay – it’s also about being permitted to be who you truly are. When people are pressured to hide parts of their identities to fit in, societies miss out on a lot of potential. 

Jassin Rezai, one of the experts of the Nordic Migrant Expert Forum, says many young immigrants feel pressured to conceal aspects of their identity. He believes recognizing and embracing full identities benefits both individuals and society alike.  

Being able to live as one’s whole self has shaped Rezai’s own sense of belonging. He describes himself as a proud citizen of Finland with Afghan roots. 

– I feel I belong in Finland without losing my history. My background, culture and language skills are my strengths. This country welcomed a broken and wounded boy with many challenges, and transformed him into a strong, educated man who is willing and able to do his part for society. Today, I am ready to give all my potential to Finland. 

True belonging boosts self-confidence

Jassin Rezai says that, in particular, three groups among immigrants need extra attention regarding their sense of belonging in society: Children of migrants, stay-at-home parents, and highly educated immigrants. 

If young people do not feel a sense of belonging to Finland, they will not want to contribute to building it either. And if women are excluded, or if the expertise of highly educated immigrants is not utilized, we lose an enormous amount of potential. 

In engaging with young people, Rezai argues that schools and youth spaces across the Nordic countries need to work more actively with questions of identity and representation in daily life.

– We need to normalise multiple identities, cultures and experiences. Each young person must feel they are part of their school or youth centre, without feeling different from others. Normalising multiple identities plays an important role in building self-confidence. 

Rezai also stresses the need for training teachers and youth workers. Rather than focusing solely on assimilation, he says educational environments should actively recognise and celebrate cultural diversity. 

– Teachers must be equipped with an understanding of bias and be able to facilitate inclusive dialogue. A sense of everyday belonging is built through small things: how names are pronounced, which celebrations are recognised, and whether students feel safe enough to be fully themselves.

Integration is a two-way process 

– Both immigrants and society bear responsibility for integration. Newcomers need to study diligently to learn the language and customs, but it is equally important that society is willing to learn from immigrants and open itself up to new perspectives. 

As the number of immigrants in Finland and the other Nordic countries increases, discussions about immigration are also rising. Jassin Rezai encourages a constructive and fact-based discussion among decision-makers and participants in public debate.

– I believe it is extremely important that we are accountable for our words and how we speak about other people. Decision-makers bear a great responsibility. Their words can have far-reaching effects and influence public discourse.

The public discussion on integration needs to be constructive and solution-focused, Rezai says.  

– It is not enough to talk about challenges. We need concrete actions, tools, and solutions. 

He encourages everyone to be active and view diversity as an opportunity. 

Let’s be positively curious: let’s talk to one another, not just about one another. Society changes only when we work together and want to see the change we hope for. Instead of only pointing out what is wrong, we also need to focus on how to fix it. What are the solutions? How can we work together? 

Seeing his clients thrive fills Jassin Rezai with pride and joy 

Jassin Rezai works as an integration counsellor at International House Jyväskylä, supporting immigrants as they find their way into Finnish society.

– I feel most proud when I see our clients making progress in their daily lives – when they advance in learning Finnish, take part in youth activities and associations, and become active participants in society through work or studies. 

He regards being a member of the Nordic Migrant Expert Forum as both an honour and a valuable opportunity to advance his work. He sees the forum as an excellent platform for sharing knowledge on integration across the Nordic countries and for seeking common solutions and good practices. 

– I want to learn from the practices of other Nordic countries and simultaneously highlight the lessons we have learned in Jyväskylä. There is a great deal of expertise in integration and participation, and it is worth sharing it across national borders. 

“The Finnish nature healed my wound”

 Born in war-torn Afghanistan, Jassin Rezai describes his childhood as a time of survival, marked by constant movement and uncertainty. Fleeing from city to city and country to country, he says life was harsh. Still, it taught him to adapt, to empathise with others in similar situations, and to understand the importance of belonging.

When he arrived in Finland, he carried with him what he describes as a wound from his past – one that has healed in his new home country.

– When I walk through the Finnish national parks, I feel that nature has fulfilled its purpose. In a way, the beautiful Finnish wilderness has healed me and made me strong enough to face my past and speak openly about it. My aim is to walk across all 41 national parks of Finland. 

When Jassin Rezai reflects on Afghanistan, natural beauty also comes to mind, alongside a strong culture of hospitality and storytelling – traditions he brings into his life in Finland.

– Our poetry and storytelling traditions foster resilience, humour and humanity. I believe they blend well with Finnish values such as closeness to nature, simplicity and sincerity. 

Another aspect of Finnish culture that Rezai values deeply is the sauna. In his view, the ritual offers a quiet metaphor for integration and belonging. 

– It’s a place of calm, reflection and equality. Everyone sits together without titles or barriers. 

Text: Sebastian Dahlström

Foto: Martin Thaulow