A journey (both literal and metaphorical) towards integration and coexistence from Senegal to Tenerife. This concept is epitomised by a group of young Africans who, as part of the Good Samaritan Foundation based in Añaza, share their challenging experiences as migrants through both a book and a play, aiming to serve as ambassadors for cultural diversity following an arduous journey of coexistence on the Island.
Fourteen young men who once arrived by cayuco went through an extensive process and showcased their literary piece at the ULL last December. This Friday the 31st (8:00 p.m.) marks the debut of their stage performance with many of them present at the Auditorium of the Tenerife university.
The journey
The journey serves as the title of a book that completes the phrase beyond the borders, ensuring that life is prioritised. It is part of the Tenerife Vive Diversidad strategy’s development, closely associated with the Juntas en la mismo direction initiative, facilitated by the Island Council alongside El Buen Samaritano, the foundation led by Pepe the priest. These individuals have traversed the perilous sea route of the Canary Islands, often fraught with peril, crafting a narrative rooted in their shared experiences that fundamentally promotes life.
Prejudices and stigmas
In a bid to combat stereotypes and stigma while also acknowledging the value of those who migrate, these fourteen young individuals finalised the book project they showcased at the Guajara Campus of the ULL during the closure of the training courses for the Social Integration Project for Young Migrants from the foundation. Launched in 2023, this initiative included numerous exchange sessions and interviews, along with photography workshops led by Karmala Cultura, writing and collage sessions by Rioko Fotabon, and office skills training, leading to the creation of The journey, whose authorship and illustration are collectively credited to Abibo Abdaf Danfá, Moustapha Sano, Ibrahima Kama, Modou Lamin Manneh, Mor, Djibril Cisse, Diasee, Omar Demba, Ousmane Ousseynou Gueye, Ebrima, Moussa, David, Kane and Mamadou.
A moment from the book creation process. / ED
In first person
In the words of one of its authors, Abibo Abdaf Danfa: “we need everyone to read The journey so that they can comprehend what we have endured and, above all, who we are; We are not solely boat travellers; we also possess talent. I believe this book has the potential to alter perceptions among readers as it encourages reflection. For me, collaborating with my peers has been a source of immense pride since this is what I came here for: to learn and strive for a more dignified existence.
Shared narratives
The journey centres on shared narratives to raise awareness about the realities of migration from a viewpoint of exchange and societal transformation. It also encompasses tangible alternatives that can assist in ensuring that African youth are not compelled to undertake such complicated and perilous journeys, exemplified by the project from the El Buen Samaritano Canarian Foundation aimed at building the Baobab Home School Hotel in Kayar, their hometown in Senegal.
From literature to theatre
Transitioning from literature to theatre, The journey morphs into Bismillah. Migrant stories, which Teatro Fundación Canaria El Buen Samaritano will present this Friday the 31st, commencing at 8:00 p.m. in the ULL Auditorium. The synopsis succinctly conveys the essence of the piece. Imagine that in your homeland resources are depleted, and opportunities, dreams are non-existent. Visualise that the only escape is an uncertain horizon, a vast sea promising both hope and peril. Now consider arriving at the shore, believing the journey has concluded, only to find that the real challenge is just beginning. The characters of this performance do not need to imagine; they have lived this reality. With the same bravery that led fifteen young migrants to board the vessel, they now take the stage to narrate their stories in the first person. This is a representation of what was learned and shared within the foundation’s theatre classes aimed at forging a connection between Canary Islands and Africa, standing as a tribute to those who were not fortunate enough to arrive.
