At the end is the Man
I remember, at the age of 7, I asked, a family friend toshow me her tongue. She was one of thefirst African immigrants in the village where I grew up in the province ofBergamo Italy. A young boy with curiosity I wanted to see if her tongue colorwas 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 700,000people disembarked on the Italian shores fleeing their country due to armedconflicts, persecutions or inadequate socio-economic conditions. Seventy percent were men, twenty per cent children, and ten per cent women, all fromvarious African, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries. Most were deniedbasic human rights and freedoms in their homeland.
I was interested in the personal experiences of these peopleand sought a better understanding of this migration to Italy. This led me to Patronato San Vincenzo, one ofthe leading reception centres for migrants in the province of Bergamo. Thecentre gave me the opportunity to photograph and immerse myself in the tragicstory of these people.
Don Davide Rota, is the superior of the Diocesanorganization that is the foundation of the centre. For over 10 years he has been carrying outhis 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 anItalian literary class to help them learn the language. Over time, many findjobs. A huge step in the long process of integration into their new country. Don Davide doesn't receive any funding from either theItalian Government nor the Church. Funding support is provided by the faithfulheartfelt community of Bergamo.
Most of the migrants at Patronato San Vincenzo come fromWest African countries. Many invested all they had in their journey to Italy. Mostof them 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 Libyawhere forms of slavery are present and then face crossing the stormyMediterranean Sea. We must rely on money-hungry and unscrupulous humansmugglers. 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 wearytravellers a glimpse of light and hope, thanks to the unconditional love,respect and trust of Don Davide Rota. It's common to see people in the corridors or in the roomspraying to their God. There are Christians who read the Bible and Muslims who singKoran verse.
It is through their faith and sanctuary of the centre thatthese people find the strength to move forward. Their goal is to find anenvironment that brings better opportunity than the one left behind. They longfor peace, freedom and a simple chance for a better life.
This is a photo project thatprovides a glimpse into human condition, a look into the lives of a few refugeesat Patronato San Vincenzo. My intent is to raise awareness about migration,integration and acceptance. To if just for a moment, encourage people to considerthe injustice in this world and how simple a gesture it is, to accept those inneed and offer a helping hand.
