Immigration: “Give us a Chance”

Amosa

"We were eleven, in a boat prepared for four"

Can you introduce yourself and tell us why people leave their country?

My name's Amosa (pseudonym), I am 34 years old and I am from Cameroon. I can't speak for other people, but I guess most people leave their country for the same reasons as I did. In my home country there's no work, no opportunities. And with no work, no one can raise a family and lead a normal life. There, me and my family we would only survive on a day-to-day basis. Having dreams and life plans is almost impossible, the future is blocked and without hope.

How did you manage to get here?

It took me almost two years to get there. I left Cameroon on November 15, 2012, and it is only now that I managed to set foot on the Spanish soil, in Europe! It's been quite a journey, with very difficult moments that bring strength to the test. But during these difficult times, these periods of doubt, I remembered that at least I had beeb able to do the most difficult part of any immigration project: to leave.

"The most difficult thing is to make the decision to emigrate. You've got to leave your family, your friends, you have to abandon your own country, your lifestyle and your culture. For me, this stage was at the same time the most difficult and the most important one. However, once I had started the journey of my life, nothing could have stopped me. Of course, we had to face many hardships during our trip, including a three-day trip on the sea before seeing the Spanish coast. We were eleven people on a boat prepared for four … In fact, I had many of my friends with me, but I don't know what happened to them. Anyways, in these moments of doubt or danger, faith has sustained me most. My faith and my willpower."

And since your arrival in Spain?

I had the chance to get in touch with people from Dianova. The people who work here are both very human and very professional. I was warmly welcomed and I felt immediately accepted with my differences, my culture, my needs and also all my shortcomings. Now I am in Spain. I'm where I'll be able to build my life project! I hope to be able to get a job because I have experience and training in business management and computer science. I hope to get a job in the import-export business because I speak English and French.

What message would you give to the citizens of Europe?

(Amosa cleared his throat, visibly moved) If it were possible, I would ask European citizens for their help. Many of my African brothers and sisters are now suffering. All they want is to leave their country. All they want is a little generosity, an opportunity to be allowed to try their luck. All people should be given a chance, regardless of where they were born. 

I would like to thank you for everything you've done for me and my friends, here at Dianova's humanitarian center. Dianova will forever remain in my heart. Simply because you guys have stretched out a hand to me when I needed it most.  To help me make my dream come true.