When I first arrived in Italy I wasn’t too surprised as I already knew what the situation would be like here in Italy, so I was psychologically prepared for anything.
At dawn on the 27/06/2018 we landed in the country where western history was born, the land known in the world for its cuisine and hospitality towards refugees like me, Italy, Roma Fiumicino. Me and my wife and another 139 refugees that had left with us… I felt things that you can only feel once in your lifetime, at least in my case, these were moments that will be unforgettable. The welcoming from all of the people waiting for us in Roma Fiumicino was beautiful and unexpected. All of this happened after a long period of hardship and problems as a refugee in Ethiopia. Sixteen years to be precise. I arrived through the Humanitarian Corridors. I feel very blessed. With this opportunity I would like to thank the Humanitarian Corridors in behalf of all of us refugees.
After having taken care of everything in the airport, we were all scattered in different dioceses. We ended up in a small town in a diocese of Lombardy, Fegnano Olana. The afternoon after we arrived, all the carers from the diocese threw a small welcoming party for us.
Nonetheless integration was extremely hard, we felt isolated, strangers. This is because the people of the town were very reserved, nobody was talking to us and actually, me and my wife spent most of the time secluded in our home, this didn’t allow us to learn Italian. However, after a while, thanks to our personalities we managed to integrate a little more and we started interacting with a few people. When the project ended, we were transferred to a SPRAR, this was all thanks to Sister Cristina who was able to help us with everything. We even had a little farewell party to say goodbye all together.
In the SPRAR we were very well welcomed, everyone was giving us attention, we had regular check ups with doctors and all our primary needs were met, we felt much better; we even started having some hopes for our future, we both started doing training courses. I started doing one in Milano.
At the moment we are also at home, like everybody else due to the Corona Virus emergency. For me it is not too difficult being at home at the moment as I already have experienced such times and also because this gives me more time to be able to study more. I am very shocked by this situation as Italy does not deserve all of this, a population that is so welcoming and affectionate. I hope with all my heart, and I am also convinced of this, that sooner or later we will overcome this emergency all together.
My dreams are many, but in these six months I will do my best to become independent. I wish all the best to everybody, Italians and refugees.
Lastly, I would like to thank Doctor Alganesh Fessaha and Sister Cristina who throughout this time have been by our side and always supported us.
Best regards
Yohhanes Simon
