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Transforming Lives: Migrants' Stories

Real accounts of young Gambians who risked everything on the dangerous "Backway" route to Europe, and why TechForAll Foundation exists to create opportunity at home.

The Backway Route

From Gambia to Europe: A Journey of Desperation

Thousands of young Gambians attempt this perilous overland and sea route every year, travelling through Senegal, Mali, Niger, across the Sahara Desert, through Libya, and into the Mediterranean, risking their lives in search of a better future.

Map showing the Backway migration route from Banjul, Gambia through West Africa, the Sahara, Libya and across the Mediterranean to Italy
Migrants returning home to The Gambia boarding a Gambia International Airlines flight
Alieu
Farafenni, The Gambia, Age 24

Alieu's Journey Back Home

Alieu was a talented and driven young man from Farafenni, a village in The Gambia. Throughout his education, he excelled academically; however, he faced difficulties in securing meaningful employment after graduation. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities, he made the decision to undertake the perilous "Backway" route to Europe, motivated by stories of individuals who had successfully migrated and were providing financial support to their families back home. At the age of 24, he left his family behind, determined to forge a successful path.

Alieu's journey began with high aspirations, but the harsh realities unfolded as he travelled through Senegal, Mali, and Niger. The crossing of the Sahara Desert proved to be arduous; smugglers packed migrants into overcrowded trucks with insufficient food and water. Tragically, Alieu witnessed several fellow travellers succumb to the brutal conditions.

Upon reaching Libya, conditions worsened. He found himself detained in an unsanitary camp, where he was subjected to forced labour and physical abuse. After enduring several months in these dire circumstances, Alieu managed to escape and secured a place on an overcrowded boat destined for Italy. The crossing of the Mediterranean Sea was fraught with danger, and he was ultimately rescued by a humanitarian organization.

Once in Europe, Alieu's aspirations began to diminish. He encountered cultural barriers, unemployment, and the constant anxiety surrounding potential deportation. Faced with financial hardships, he felt increasingly isolated and disheartened. When he learned of a program offered by an NGO that provided voluntary repatriation and reintegration support, he made the decision to return to The Gambia.

Upon his return, Alieu utilized his reintegration grant and established a small poultry farm, which quickly thrived. Alieu now employs other young people within his community and actively advocates against irregular migration.

Through his journey, Alieu learned valuable lessons in resilience and the significance of creating opportunities within his own community. His story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the potential of building a fulfilling life at home.

Overcrowded migrant boat capsizing in the Mediterranean Sea
F
Fatima
Serrekunda, The Gambia, Age 19
In Memoriam

Fatima's Unfulfilled Dream

Fatima was born in Serrekunda, one of the most vibrant towns in The Gambia. From an early age, she exhibited exceptional talent as a goalkeeper, eventually representing The Gambia's national women's football team. Fatima aspired to become a professional footballer in Europe; however, opportunities for female athletes in The Gambia were limited. Her family faced financial challenges, and Fatima hoped to one day support them through her success in sports.

In 2016, at the age of 19, Fatima made a pivotal decision to undertake the perilous journey known as the "Backway" to Europe. She travelled through Senegal, Mali, and Niger, enduring weeks in difficult conditions. Upon reaching Libya, she confronted the grim reality of migrant detention centres, where basic human rights were often overlooked. Despite these adversities, Fatima remained resolute in her quest to reach Europe and fulfil her dream.

Her final journey commenced on an overcrowded boat departing from the Libyan coast. With over 100 migrants aboard, the vessel was ill-equipped for the dangerous Mediterranean crossing. As night fell, turbulent seas instilled panic among the passengers. Unfortunately, the boat capsized, and Fatima was among those who lost their lives; her body was never recovered.

Fatima's untimely passing left her community and the football world in shock. Her family not only grieved the loss of their daughter but also the unrealized potential of a promising future. Today, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of irregular migration and the challenging choices many young Gambians make in pursuit of a better life.

Watch & Share

The Reality of Irregular Migration

These videos document the real dangers of the Backway route and why TechForAll Foundation works to create opportunity at home.

Lamin's Journey by The New Humanitarian

Backway to Europe: Gateway to Death in the Mediterranean

Gambia Migrants: Survivors Would Risk Journey Again (Al Jazeera)

Thousands Swim into Spain from Morocco (Reuters)

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