Italy is a country of integration, capable of offering a new opportunity of life and hope to young refugees. In these days when attention has sadly returned to violence against people of color, who are upsetting America, we want to tell you a story about a 22-year-old Somali man named Abdullahi. He has been in Italy for three years and lives in a family of Superga, in the province of Turin. A couple who welcomed him and who for him is a new family. Abdullahi recounted his experience in a video as part of a Refugees Welcome Italia project. Abdullahi's video excites and makes you think.
Abdullahi's video a message of hope for young refugees
Abdullahi's video project, directed by Beatrice Surano, is called “Through My Eyes, Through my eyes”. TOThrough the filming done by himself, the XNUMX-year-old Somali tells of his life with Elena and Federico and their children. In a city of welcome, where everyone who loved him. A family that welcomed him and made him grow. "Makes me feel at home”The phrase that the young man repeats many times when talking about his new family. In Abdullahi's video also the experience with the disabled during the civil service he is carrying out in Turin. Two months of filming with his video camera, to tell the daily life of his family and his workmates.
Three years ago the departure from Somalia and the long journey to Italy
Abdullahi Ali is a Somali refugee. He was born in 1996 and arrived after a long trip to Italy three years ago. A difficult journey, traumatic, up to Egypt, the desert to cross. "Sometimes - says the young man - I don't like remembering these moments because I feel that something is still missing ". And then the arrival in Italy, the experience in a Sprar up to the meeting with “Welcome refugees” and his new family.
Life in the house and with the new family
Abdullahi's story in pictures is a concrete testimony of acceptance and integration. It opens with images of her home, her bedroom, her objects. Games with Italian brothers. The video ends with the story of a foot race that takes place where he lives once a year. In 2018 he competed with bib 202 and finished third. In 2019 he had the bib number 202 again, and this time he finished first.
Abdullahi's story is the first chapter of Refugees Welcome Italia's video project. It is based on the participatory methodology. It is funded under the Frame call, Voice Report of the European Union and aimed at raising public awareness on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
