Open Encounters

What's at stake when you enter a state housing system as an asylum seeker? In The Netherlands, there is a roof over your head, food on the table, and in this Middelburg location, a spacious game room and lounge where you can watch TV, play video games or share coffee with a friend. There is safety and even comfort here. So why are so many of the people living inside facing mental health crises?––of depression and even suicide. MotM has reported from the Middelburg, Netherlands COA housing camp over the course of 2021 with great esteem for its operations. We have walked away every time with a sense of warmth, solidarity and total transparency from the people inside working to keep the complex going, in spite of paralyzing limitations. There are missing mental health resources, and that's what we talk about in this episode today. It was our last report from Middelburg in 2021, recorded in early November 2021.Hear MotM's Lead Correspondent, Pamela Kerpius, in conversation with Abraham (Nigeria), Abdul Mohammed Ali (Somalia), Anas (Ghana) and Mohammed (Syria) in this episode, the last of the year and our most urgent to date. Thank you for standing with us this year to keep sharing these hidden stories in the migrant community––for supporting our friends whose voices you hear here today. Donate what you can to our 3rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser to help keep this storytelling alive in 2022. So much is at stake. Thank you for standing with us!★ Support this podcast ★

Please meet more of those from the rescue community. Miguel Duarte worked aboard the Iuventa through the now-defunct German sea rescue operation Jugend Rettet from 2016-2017 on four missions. On his final mission, the Iuventa came to port and was immediately seized by Italian authorities who falsely claimed he and his shipmates had participated in aiding human trafficking, among other unfounded charges. It is part of the narrative to criminalize NGO rescue ships, which are seen as acting against the political interests of Italy and the EU, and leaving thousands of lives in the Central Mediterranean hanging in the balance. Miguel's important testimony will move you.

You've met many people over the years who were rescued at sea. But what about the people who rescued them? Who are they, and what was their role in this arc of migration history? Today we take a departure from our usual interviews with people in the migrant community to meet one of those rescuers, Francesco Tripoli. Francesco worked aboard the Sea Watch 2 ship in 2017-2018 on five different missions. Hear his testimony about what it was like, and the gratitude he has for the people who were onboard with him. With a special guest appearance from his rooster crowing on his farm in Portugal, where he spoke to Open Encounters in late February 2021 in New York City.

This is what it’s about. This is what makes what we do so valuable: connecting with human beings in a real, meaningful and intimate way. In this episode we might find the very definition of Humanitarian Storytelling, in a reunion after a years-long gap. Alagie (Gambia) and Pamela met in November 2016 on Lampedusa at the very moment he stepped off the rescue ship and onto land. It was the next day when they really met in person on the streets of the tiny island town, where she recorded his Journey Story. He lost her contact information, she never heard anything about him. Until one day in mid-July 2020, a mutual contact saw his story on the site and put us back in touch. Today’s episode is that phone-reunion conversation with Alagie and Pamela after three-and-a-half years.

"I call it another pandemic," Bapa (Sierra Leone) said about racism in Europe and around the world. We spoke via phone from his home in Passau, Germany as the global debate surges around systemic racism and police brutality after the murder of George Floyd. He talks about being an outsider, being denied entry to clubs and bars for being black and a migrant, and remembers friends from his time in Libya whose whereabouts are unknown.

"You have to fight for what you like...Try, even if they tell you it's not possible for you, leave them. Don't argue. Keep fighting. Fight in a positive way," said Bapa (Sierra Leone) from his home in Passau, Germany. As lockdowns keep lifting and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, Germany, and in Belgium. When Bapa arrived in Italy before crossing to Germany in 2016, he had a dream for his life. And even though the reality is different than what he first imagined, he continues with resiliency and a lot of heart. Tune in to Part II of our conversation, on racism, tomorrow.

Our friend Babou (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Padova, Italy with some good news. Plus, he thoughts on George Floyd after weeks of unrest in the US and around the globe, and a standing invitation to the restaurant where he works in Mestrino, Italy.

Our friend Ousmane (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Bayern (Bavaria state), Germany about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. He expresses his sorrow for George Floyd's family, discusses classism versus racism in The Gambia, and his perception of police violence in America in contrast to the more advisory role the police play in Italy and in Germany, and more.

Long-time friend of MotM, Pazi (Gambia), spoke to Open Encounters via phone from Rome, Italy about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. We are energized by his voice, his vision, and his audacity to speak of the city around him totally unapologetically, even while he frequently remains the center of grotesque moments of racial discrimination. He will not shrink in the face of it.

"We want to be treated just the way you guys have been treated. We want to be loved just the way you guys have been loved," said Fabulous (Nigeria) via phone from Limatola, Italy. He spoke to Open Encounters about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. But this conversation is about much more. His experience in Italy, he says, is so much defined by not being believed. It's about his reason for being there not being believed––by the authorities who interview him for his asylum case, and by the citizens around him. Even after three and a half years in the country, he feels he is not just unaccepted, but that in the eyes of society, his sheer reason for being there is a false premise.

"We are human like you....Whether you are white, whether you are black: forget the color, we are all human," said Richard (Nigeria) via phone from Livorno, Italy. He spoke to Open Encounters about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. And while we initially asked about his experience in Italy, quickly he steered the conversation about his time crossing North Africa, and through Libya in particular where racism against outsiders hit a brutal peak. Hear his very brave words, and his call to love one another no matter who or where you are in the world.

Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, Germany, and now in Belgium. In this episode, we speak to Mahamed (Gambia), from his home in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Migrant labor exploitation is in the news in Italy, but Mahamed has a much different experience in Belgium where he is fairly paid. "One day here is two days in Italy" he said about his work at the Carrefour supermarket. The economy in Belgium is better than Italy's of course, but so is the organization of how migrants are received, tracked and integrated into society. Hear our telephone reunion as life starts to get back to normal for him after Covid-19 hit.

Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria), once again from his home in Livorno, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk about his experience working as an independent street vendor. Richard faces the hard reality of impending homelessness if he can't come up with his rent money, and with social distancing still in place, people are apt to approach him less than they already do outside the market where he works.

Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Fabulous (Nigeria), once again from his home outside Naples, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk about his experience working in agriculture where he has earned as little as 10 Euros a day. From tobacco planting to a lumber yard, hear what he's done for work and the reality of an average day. He's not happy with the exploitative labor market in Italy, but he insisted on positivity, "We're going to keep going. We're going to stay strong and keep focused." Listen now.

Lockdowns start to lift! We continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Yanks (Gambia) for a status check from his home outside Naples, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk about his experience working in agriculture where he has earned as little as 25 Euros for a grueling days' work, and without a contract. Hear all of the details.

"We have to be generous to one another. We have to give one another love," said Buba (Gambia) in Bergamo, Italy, one of the areas hardest hit by the coronavirus. This is Part 2 of our talk. He speaks about the effects of COVID on migration, about creating opportunities, and using the health crisis to bring us all together.

Lockdowns start to lift: we're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Buba (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Bergamo, Italy, one of the areas hardest hit by the virus. And hear some good news too––about his admiration for the Bergamo people, about his respect for migrants everywhere, plus, some big news on his asylum case. We continue our discussion with Buba tomorrow, in Part 2.

Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ebrima (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Agrigento (Sicily), Italy. He shares his grief and sadness about the crisis, and urges us to keep wearing those masks and gloves.

Andrew gets his documents! After three and a half years of hearings and appeals after crossing the Mediterranean to Italy, Andrew (Nigeria) gets a call from his lawyer that he is free to work and live in the country. "My heart's full of joy, my heart's filled with singing," he said, proving that even in the times of Covid-19, we can find happiness and hope for the future. Enjoy this very special episode, and to Andrew, we send our biggest congrats and all our love. We are proud of you, Andrew.

Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Mustapha (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Latina, Italy, about his drive to begin work, "any work," he urgently says, and how he stays away from too much news to keep stress levels down.

During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Foday (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Latina, Italy, and about his first day out on May 4th, Italy's start of "fase due" (phase two) and the end of fase uno (phase one) lockdown across the country.

During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ousmane (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Bayern (Bavaria state), Germany, about wearing masks at the club, and his words of precaution to keep distance and keep wearing our masks as lockdowns starts to lift.

During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Andrew (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Limatola, Italy, and his hope that the Italian government and people can begin to view the frequently-isolated migrant population with greater sympathy as lockdown begins to lift.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Livorno, Italy, about his concern for our friend Philip (Nigeria) who is now homeless, and for his daughter and family in Nigeria.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and Germany. In this episode, we speak to Babou (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Padova, Italy, about his recent return to work as a cook at a local restaurant and pizzeria, and the new perspective he has gained on the prison population after being confined for so long in one place.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Moussa (Senegal) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in Günzburg, Germany, and about his Ramadan during lockdown, and finally his positive words that no matter black or white we are all the same.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Landing (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in a city outside Stuttgart, Germany, and stay posted on the MotM Facebook page where we'll share his next live music performance.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy. In this episode, we speak to Bakary (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after six weeks in quarantine in Naples, Italy, and his wish to turn the mic on me when we can finally meet in person again.

During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy. In this episode, we speak to Fabulous (Nigeria; episode #2) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after six weeks in quarantine in Limatola, Italy, and his message of positivity and gratitude to the world.

I got to see Italy through Africa when Richard (Nigeria) and I reunited in Pisa, Italy after more than two years since our initial meeting on Lampedusa island in April 2017. He whisked me through the crowds and we posed for a shot where we held up the famous leaning tower––an amazing and very fun day. In this conversation, he talks about testifying against his traffickers in Sicily, the asylum process, racism, and the meaning of the word “lapalapa,” the Nigerian slang term for the rubber boat that crosses the Mediterranean Sea. He now lives in Pisa, Italy with one-year papers awaiting work and the next steps for his documentation. Recorded in Pisa, October 2019.

“I did it…I did it. And after I run, I regret it.” Baboucarr (Gambia) killed a man before fleeing home, crossing Libya and the sea, and finally landing in Lampedusa, where I met him in April 2017. He is among a very rare few who have shared the reason why he left his country. In doing this he says “the truth will set me free.” It is an act that has demanded my acceptance and compassion at new levels, and one that defines the driving force behind the work of Migrants of the Mediterranean. Hear what Babou has to say; his story is more nuanced than it appears. Try to listen first without judgement. See what happens. Babou now lives, works, and awaits his final asylum hearing in a small city near Padova, in the north of Italy. Recorded in Padova, September 2019.

We speak just outside the grounds of Gran Ghetto, where Peter now stays after going homeless in September 2019. Hear his testimony from inside the most notorious and squalid location in Italy.

Mere days before he is removed from his housing due to a negative verdict on his asylum hearing, we speak to "Peter" (Sierra Leone) about his impending homelessness and more. This is Part I of a two-part conversation.

“Without people….I cannot go forward, I cannot stand alone.” Pazi (Gambia) has found his pace living in Rome now after almost three years since his rescue and reception on Lampedusa. In this conversation, he speaks with perspective about what he needs to live the life he wants. He pursues it in spite of racial discrimination and false perceptions perpetuated by media, and with the goal of not going it alone. Recorded in May 2019.

Sami (24, Eritrea) pleads to be heard from the Khoms, Libya migrant detention center today, 15 August 2019, after finding the dead from a July shipwreck. Bodies are washing ashore and his life is in danger. "Don't forget about me, or us," he said.

In the small town of Isernia, Italy Moses and I close the gap on two years, the time we last saw each other on Lampedusa island just three days after his rescue at sea. We speak about work, racism, his crowded living conditions and his hopes for the future. Recorded in April 2019.

A fleeting encounter on Lampedusa led to a two-year wait that led, finally, to our reunion in the Sicilian seaside city, Agrigento. Ebrima talks housing + food quality, integration, "walls" + more. Recorded in Agrigento, Sicily.

Just over a year after our first meeting, Fabulous talks about patience, gratitude and his future in Italy. Recorded in Naples, Italy.

We meet a year-and-a-half after his Mediterranean rescue and reception on Lampedusa island.