VOICES From Migrations | Mansa Kouyate's story

"VOICES From Migrations" is a project co-funded by by the European Union exploring untold migration stories. Mansa Kouyate moved from Mali to Rosarno in 2020. This is his story.

Mansa Kouyate

"Back in Mali, life became impossible. War tore through my community, and work was scarce. I didn’t want to leave my family, but I had no choice. Alone, I left without telling anyone. My hopes were to find work in Italy and send money back home. 

The journey was terrifying. The worst moment was crossing the Mediterranean. I truly believed I would die. But I made it. 

Arriving in Italy wasn’t what I imagined. I thought work would be easy to find, but that wasn't the case. I worked in the fields, under the sun, picking fruit for long hours. Sometimes I wasn’t paid. There was no contract, no protection. I had no lawyer, no help. 

Eventually, I met someone who connected me with an advocate. Slowly, I began the process of getting my documents. Learning Italian was difficult, but I tried. I wanted to understand, to be understood. I want a future here. 

What I wish people in Rosarno knew is that I came here for work, not trouble. I want the same things they do: stability, dignity, and a chance. If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: “Be patient. Don’t give up. You’re stronger than you think.” 

Interview conducted by: Liman Zhang, Laura Panis, Alessia Costantino, Rosetta Scarmato,  Camila Velez Martinez 

International students from "VOICES From Migrations" talking with Mansa

Mansa Kouyate, smiling, after his interview

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.