Rashid
Adapting to new realities: A Refugee’s journey from Africa to Spain
Many refugees face immense challenges when arriving in a new country. This is the story of a young African man who, despite numerous obstacles, managed to adapt to life in Spain. His journey highlights resilience, determination, and the power of human connection.
When he arrived in Spain, he didn’t speak any Spanish. It was very difficult, especially since he spent the first six months without studying or engaging in any formal education. However, during that time, he dedicated himself to self-study, using his phone to learn the language. His efforts paid off, as he gradually improved his Spanish by staying in his room to study and going out to practice speaking with people. Through this, he met many individuals who helped him along the way
He found additional support in the community, particularly at the place where he is now. Every Monday, he attended language exchange meetings there, which significantly improved his language skills through regular practice and conversation with others.
Adapting to modern technology posed another challenge. In his home country, he didn’t have access to many technological resources and had never used a computer. Living in a rural area, he relied on traditional methods for navigation and communication. In the field, if someone got lost, they used a specific device, not a phone, to find their location. In Spain, however, finding places without a phone was very complicated. Using a computer was initially very difficult for him, and he often had to ask for help. Despite the struggles, he gradually learned to navigate digital services.
His multilingual background added another layer to his experience. He speaks about five African languages. Despite this, he struggled with Spanish and adapting to the digital world. When he first arrived, not knowing Spanish and being unfamiliar with the culture made him feel like a child again, closed off and isolated.
He carried a deep sense of responsibility and family duty with him to Spain. As the eldest of four siblings, he had taken on the role of caregiver after his father passed away, leaving them cows for support. His journey began with this responsibility, and he continued to carry it with him, striving to build a better future.
His hometown was marked by poor infrastructure, with old roads and limited access to medical care. When someone fell ill, they used horses to transport them to the doctor, placing them on a special saddle. This stark contrast to his new life in Spain highlighted the significant changes and challenges he faced.
Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the difficulties but remained determined to improve and build a better life in Spain. His story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
