Independence Day

Wednesday, 4th of July

In the morning all students and instructors met up at Sicherheit Intervention Prävention (sip) züri. We were greeted with bottled water and delicious croissants. There we learned about the drug issues in Zurich and the preventative measures that are being taken. The presenter explained their four-pillar policy that included prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement. During the slide presentation it was interesting to see how each country differs in the way the drug issues are handled. Both countries work with this population to help get them treatment, and the resources to provide their basic needs. However, in Zurich, they offer a safe place for those who use drugs to do it in a safe and clean environment. During this presentation we were also taught about the outreach program that helps those who are homeless known as SIP.

At the close of the two presentations, we walked over to visit the site in which people can check it to use. Each new client is met first through a meeting/assessment to see how much and how often they use as well as if there may be other social welfare needs. Clients can spend 30 minutes in the designated rooms (smoking or IV), and only nine clients at a time. Those of use the IV method are provided with clean syringes, and others are given clean supplies for smoking, or making their own pipes.

We broke up into groups and had lunch, meeting back at the City of Zurich Social department. Here we were introduced to the city councilman Raphael Golta, and he spoke on the social policies of Zurich. We were able to ask a lot of interesting questions.

Students were given some time to explore a bit of the city on their own and meet as a group by 5:00pm at the Central Station. Everyone boarded the train and went to Sandra’s for a 4th of July celebration she worked so hard on for everyone. Sandra put together quite the spread for everyone. From grilled meat to homemade salads and cakes. The night was very funny, there was even some karaoke going on (which you can check out in the gallery).