A Migrant Perspective

Earlier in this journey, I wrote about migrants and refugees in Morocco. This community has played a big role in my experiences in Morocco, and as I get to know more migrants and refugees in this part of the world, my perspective continues to evolve.

One of my preconceptions about Morocco was that Moroccans didn’t like migrants or refugees that came from Sub-Saharan Africa. From my time in  Morocco, and my discussions with migrants and Moroccans, my preconception was true, but it was a generalization. One of the goals of “Friends of Migrants and Refugees” was to encourage AUI students to engage in dialogue about migrants and refugees in Morocco. With these students being the future of Morocco, I wanted to develop a level of empathy, understanding, love, and service within them towards migrants and refugees so that the future in Morocco can be inclusive for this vulnerable people group.

AUI students were very receptive and engaging in the work that I was trying to do. Student clubs and organizations held events and panel discussions to educate the student body on the migrant and refugee issues in Morocco and discussed ways to mobilize and collaborate to solve their issues. With the panel discussions, migrants were invited and given the platform to share their story. The stories were raw, authentic, heartbreaking, moving, inspirational…..

I want to share with you the story of Freddy, my dear friend, who is a migrant living in Morocco.

Freddy has lived in Morocco for several years. He arrived to Morocco with hopes of becoming a professional futbol (soccer) player. When he was younger in Cameroon, a few people told his family that if they would give them money, they would bring Freddy to Morocco to play for a professional soccer team. Freddy’s family gave the people the money and they took Freddy to Morocco. But when Freddy got to Morocco, there was no professional soccer club for him to join. The people lied to Freddy’s family and he was left in Morocco, alone, scared, undocumented and without any help.

Freddy’s story is similar to other stories I’ve heard from migrants in Morocco. They were lied to about the potential of becoming a famous sport figure and having lots of money to provide for their family back home. Freddy explains that his experience in Morocco has been tough, but he has overcome it. Freddy has experienced racism, discrimination and abuse as a migrant in Morocco.

The government doesn’t do enough to protect undocumented migrants or provide them with resources that will help them succeed in Morocco.

Although Freddy has experienced a lot of bad in Morocco, he still sees good in the people living in Morocco. Freddy refuses to allow evil, hate or judgment to keep him down and from treating everyone equally. Freddy believes that we are all unique individuals with the ability to show love and treat each other well. The color of our skin, whether we are boys or girls, where we come from, or how much money we have shouldn’t keep us from talking to and being friends with people that are different than us.

Freddy stayed in Morocco, and now helps migrants and refugees here. He tries his best to meet the needs of migrants and refugees, including shelter (housing), food and water, proper clothes for summer and winter, finding a job, and applying for documents so they can be recognized by the government and receive services. Freddy also helps build a bridge between migrants, refugees and local Moroccan citizens. Freddy encourages us all to never give up on loving and serving each other.

When Freddy and other migrants shared their stories to AUI students, the room was filled with tears. Many hearts were filled with empathy, compassion, and love for this vulnerable people group on that day. I can only hope and pray that this will not be a one day occurrence but will reside in the hearts of AUI students for the rest of their lives. It’s been a pleasure to be in Morocco and work around these issues. I am grateful for the friends I have met and the students, faculty, and staff that have supported “Friends of Migrants and Refugees”. I hope that all corners of this world will be inclusive and supportive of all vulnerable people groups.