Every year, thousands of young people under the age of 30 from Sub-Saharan Africa arrive in Spain seeking opportunities to improve their lives and those of their families in their home countries, but upon arrival, they find a very different and complicated situation. These individuals lack the necessary support networks and information for their integration into our society. Therefore, the Baobab programme The United Peoples, It provides homes and support to young people, accompanying them in their social integration process through training programmes, job market placement, and legal guidance. A few weeks ago, we were able to meet with the team and they told us a bit more about the wonderful work they do.
The Baobab programme is organised by a team of 4 people and various volunteers. Between them, they manage four reception houses: Salam, Dari, San Leopoldo and Aluche. In these houses live young people (mostly) from sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco who are seeking change; to make a place for themselves in a new society, to evolve, and to manage to get their lives back on track through education and work. Thanks to this programme, they not only achieve that, but also, by living in community, they become a big family alongside all the volunteers and the people who are part of this initiative.
Another of Baobab's aims is to achieve the integration of these youngsters, so that they don't feel excluded or marginalised, and can establish Social relationships beyond the programme. Therefore, they organise dinners at their homes with volunteers, trips to the mountains, or even the Camino de Santiago.
During the meeting with the Baobab team, we were able to visit two of the houses, where we were welcomed with open arms. They were excited about our visit; some were cooking, others were preparing for classes, others proudly showed us around the house… We could see the excitement and motivation in their eyes and we were able to take home a unique memory and a strong desire to try and make a programme like this leave its mark.
Amadou Tidiane Camara, one of the young people has wanted to share his story with us:
“My name is Amadou Tidiane Camara, I am 26 years old and I am originally from Guinea. I arrived in Spain on June 1st, 2018, in Motril, Granada. I have been with Pueblos Unidos for two and a half years. I have been in Spain for almost 6 years and I was involved with more than two associations and lived on my own before joining Pueblos Unidos.
The difference between Pueblos Unidos and other organisations is that they They help you integrate, thanks to volunteers who act as tutors in the programme. This opens up huge opportunities to get to know people, the culture and find work. As well as having someone close to confide in.
They also help you access training. It's a programme that adapts to all the young people who arrive, as they help you from financial dependence to independence so you can fly solo.
For example, I've obtained residency, a job, and completed my Basic Vocational Training in Office IT. I've met people who I consider family and friends today. I have volunteered at an association called SERCADE, as a translator for legal advice sessions for newcomers or people who only speak dialects. I have also passed the theory exam for my driving licence, and I still need to do the practical part.
I have learned a lot from the programme for life in general, especially from Carmen (a volunteer). Seeing her at her age and her eagerness to help others, I told her that when I grow up, I want to be like her.
If someone new were to join the programme, I’d tell them to make the most of their time here and get good training so they don't have any regrets when they try to become independent. For now, I'm working, but for my future, I want a job that allows me to study for a vocational qualification in IT.”
If you want to find out more about Project Baobab, here's a report we did on Brígida, the driving force behind the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGxbemyoDNw&list=PLMmK35Kx5sfH8CIX-lD6v2uSUJD578W_B
