At the end is the Man
I remember, at the age of 7, I asked, a family friend to show me her tongue. She was one of the first African immigrants in Gazzaniga, the village I grew up in the province of Bergamo, Italy. A young boy with curiosity I wanted to see if her tongue color was different too. I have always been interested in stories of life and socio-culturaldiversity, especially people with a different background than mine.
According to UNHCR, from 2014 to 2020, more than 700,000 people disembarked on the Italian shores fleeing their country due to armed conflicts, persecutions or inadequate socio-economic conditions. Seventy percent were men, twenty per cent children, and ten per cent women, all from various African, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries. Most were denied basic human rights and freedoms in their homeland.
I was interested in the personal experiences of these people and sought a better understanding of the migration to Italy. This led me to Patronato San Vincenzo, one of the leading reception centres for migrants in the province of Bergamo. The centre gave me the opportunity to photograph and immerse myself in the story of these people.
Don Davide Rota, is the superior of the Diocesan organization that is the foundation of the centre. For over 10 years he has been carrying out his mission of faith, welcoming these disenfranchised souls to his doorstep.There are 250 migrants housed in the facility who receive safe shelter, food, medical assistance and support in seeking immigration documents. There is also an Italian literary class to help them learn the language. Over time, many find jobs. A huge step in the long process of integration into their new country. Don Davide doesn't receive any funding from either the Italian Government nor the Church. Funding support is provided by the faithful heartfelt community of Bergamo.
Most of the migrants at Patronato San Vincenzo come from West African countries. Many invested all they had in their journey to Italy and did not consider the risk of their choice. "The route is the same for everyone," says Honest, a Nigerian man. "We pass through the harsh Sahara desert, inhumane Libya where forms of slavery are present and then, face crossing the stormy Mediterranean Sea. We must rely on money-hungry and unscrupulous human smugglers. It is they who have the contacts to get us across borders illegally”. For many of these migrants the trek is marked by loneliness, sadness, injustice, fear and death. It is a very dark journey they undertake.
The sanctuary of Patronato San Vincenzo, gives these weary travellers a glimpse of light and hope, thanks to the unconditional love, respect and trust of Don Davide Rota. It is common to see people in the corridors or in the rooms praying to their God. There are Christians who read the Bible and Muslims who sing Koran verse.
It is through their faith and sanctuary of the centre that these people find the strength to move forward. Their goal is to find an environment that brings better opportunity than the one left behind. They long for peace, freedom and a simple chance for a better life.
This is a photo project that provides a glimpse into human condition, a look into the lives of a few refugees at Patronato San Vincenzo. My intent is to raise awareness about migration,integration and acceptance. To if just for a moment, encourage people to consider the injustice in this world and how simple a gesture it is, to accept those in need and offer a helping hand.
