We've known these kids for more than two years now. When we first met them, in Addis Abeba, we spent time with them in the days before their departure. Over the following months, we visited Cerro on different occasions, to tell the story of Omar and Fabio, and by now, with them it's like seeing old friends. There's genuine affection.
And as often happens these days, it was difficult not to share a hug, which the upcoming photo clearly shows.
This time, the focus wasn't so much on the screenplay. Rather, we wanted to understand and simply recount how they're doing after the lockdown, paying particular attention to Halima, Ansera and Abou, also because Omar already played his part as the protagonist.
Here's what happened.
Ansera anxiously awaits two tryouts for two different soccer teams, but what most worries him are his parents in Eritrea. We should explain that while Halima and Abou are here with their mom, Mayram, Ansera and his brother, Omar, their cousins, haven't seen their parents in years.
Meanwhile, Halima everyday is becoming more and more the cornerstone of the home (luckily, her mom Mayram found a job). She's the one who takes care of most of the housework. She does well in school. Her Italian by now is impeccable. She's kind, cheerful. It might seem a manicured description, but that's actually what she's like..
What to say about Abou? He calls his mom Salvini and makes fun of the world. "Aunt" Marta, one of the volunteers, has experienced it firsthand, but her patience seems to have no limits.
As always, they end up playing soccer outside, and, as always, someone less young risks pulling a muscle...
To anyone familiar with Omar and Fabio's story , Black Coffe , we can say that, after the challenges recounted there, everything is now better.. Omar continues working in Fabio's bakery, who is simply happy to have him there again. More than a year ago, he'd asked us, "Is it okay for me to treat Omar and Ansera as if I was their father?" As we repeat now, we don't know if it's okay, but of course it's a beautiful thing, and above all, you can't but continue like this, dear Fabio.
photos cover ,1 , 4 Marida Augusto
photos 2 , 3 Max Hirzel
videos Marida Augusto | Max Hirzel
