Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Fès (Agenzia Fides) - "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a foreigner, and you welcomed me". This quote from the Gospel of Matthew inspired a group of university students from sub-Saharan Africa to found the "Student Solidarity" campaign in Fez, which was launched three years ago in the Moroccan city.
"For many African migrants, the emigration trip, which actually has Europe as its destination, ends in Morocco. They live on the outskirts of the big cities, like here in Fez, in order to survive and prepare for their return to their countries of origin," said Amanda Ouedraogo , Head of the group.
"The most important thing for us is not to donate food, but rather to visit these people where they live, often in dilapidated houses, spend time with them, talk to them, but above all listen to them without any prejudice - writes the Student from Burkina Faso who has a scholarship from the University of Fez-. By talking to them and listening to them, we get to know and love them".
“Student Solidarity” organizes monthly visits to the different neighborhoods on the outskirts of Fez where migrants live. "The members of the organization are in charge of buying food kits that they then offer to these people. In the neighborhoods where they live, they are grouped by nationality and that facilitates our visits because it allows us to better adapt our support".
The student from Burkina Faso adds that the group's initiative is spreading outside of Fez. "In the city of Settat in the Casablanca region there is now a group with the same name that is carrying out the same actions as we are. One of the initiators in Settat is a former member of the group in Fez. With the few resources available to us and those we try to mobilize, we do what we can for these brothers and sisters of ours. The most important thing, however, is that we give them a place in our hearts, because only in this way can we understand and love them".
The initiative is supported by the Italian missionary Father Matteo Revelli from the Society for Africa Missions (SMA) and wants to accompany African migrants on their journey through Morocco. (AO/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 13/1/2022)
