This letter was found in the bed of a 15-year-old boy. He had left for Tripoli when his father discovered the letter and framed it as a memory. The boy made it to Europe and got asylum as an unaccompanied … Continue reading Decision to Leave Home

Prospective migrants made great sacrifices were made to raise money to go to China:  My uncle bought my first car. I am a driver. I paid him back little by little. One month I paid him, the next I saved … Continue reading From the Gambia to China

Here is a preview of what living in China meant for many of the Gambian migrants arriving in Guangzhou under false promises – expressed in one Gambian migrant’s own words: I was told so many things about China, about the positivity of … Continue reading Life in China

Cheikh had a stable job in a company in the Gambia. After he heard about China, he decided to leave in order to seek greener pastures.  Cheikh (2014) Badjie (2014) In autumn 2014, many Gambian migrants tried to go to Hong Kong, after … Continue reading Getting out of China

The return journey from China goes through Dakar airport. Some Gambians stay on in Dakar to try to make a living and postpone the embarrassment of returning from China empty-handed. If you say you have travelled, people will start talking, … Continue reading Returning Home

The Gambians’ failed to achieve what they wanted in China. Yet, they didn’t let go of their dream to make a living abroad. My target is Europe. They want you to frustrate. If I go to them and sit down, … Continue reading Imagining a Future