Short bio

Originally from Gambia, I arrived in Italy in 2014 as an immigrant and applied for international protection. I immediately took it upon myself to learn the language as I soon understood that my life in Europe would not be easy: it would require a lot of effort and commitment. Today I’m a cultural and linguistic mediator at the Community for Social Inclusion at Opera di Padre Marella in the Bologna area. My first-hand experience has pushed me to want to help others to integrate, engage and seek their own way. Being “one of them”, I have credibility and, in my opinion, a greater understanding of the pain and hardship that migrants experience.

My Story

I was orphaned by my father as a child and had to start working at the age of eight to provide for my family. It wasn't easy, particularly because I like to learn new things and am curious by nature, so I liked school a lot. However, I was not able to attend to my schooling in the way I would have wished, which is a great pity. I didn’t shirk my family duties; in my country, I had no other choice but to take care of my mother and my sister.

I started working as a bricklayer which was a very difficult and tiring job. The fatigue of the work itself was only half of the challenge. Following my boss and new friends, I was forced to move between various cities and even countries in search of work. I think about it now in disbelief: I was truly a child! But in Africa children and young people cannot lead the same life as here, not everyone can study and build a better future.

Unfortunately, poverty and ignorance often affect and constrict the lives of many people.

I went through a number of African countries, always with the one goal of finding work: Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and finally Libya. It was 2014 and I didn't want to go to Libya because I’d heard about the war. But if I wanted to eat, I had no option other than to follow my boss. It was a nightmare there. If you don't have money and a place to stay, you are always blackmailed by the Libyan militias.

They rob you, they beat you, they incarcerate you and once you're in prison you just have to pray and hope that one day you’ll get out. Libyan prison is hell. You are no longer a human being in there. You don't count for anything. Sometimes you hope that you’ll never wake up.

Then an almost miraculous thing happened. The guard took pity on me and let me run away in the night. He put me on a boat and I had no idea where I was going. I spent three days and three nights without food or water, just fear. Then I arrived in Europe, in Sicily. The Italians saved my life, thanks to them I am here today.

When I arrived in Bologna, they took me to a center that immediately greeted me with a smile. I didn't understand much, but at least I knew that I was safe. It was a center started by a priest... I was afraid that they would want to convert me! Instead, it was nice to learn about the differences and points of contact between the different religions and of the many countries from which immigrants arrived.

I found a new family, I grew up with them, I became Bolognese!

It’s not easy but like all things in life, you have to commit yourself, set a good example and be a positive role model for others... I also wanted to make my mother proud. Since I was a child she has always taught me, "Wherever you go in the world, look how people behave and learn to behave like them." I have committed myself as much as possible and I’m happy to be here, even though I miss my country and my family very much.

I started as an asylum seeker in this community… and today I am an employee in the same community! I have studied and worked alongside many others like me. I'm able to interact freely with my colleagues, we laugh and work together as equals. I’m satisfied with the progress made so far.

Everyone with their own possibilities and starting conditions can do something good for themselves and also for others. I'm certainly trying!

PS I once dreamed of being a great soccer player, and I was pretty good at it ... I swear! But even as a social worker and mediator I'm not doing badly at all :)

Seen? In 2019 they even wanted me to tell my story in a documentary film. Who would have thought that would ever happen!