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Why my research work is to highlight, counteract unjust and treatment of refugees , migrants -Dr Franzisca Zanker

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Franzisca Zanker is a Senior Researcher at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institute (ABI) in Freiburg, Germany, where she heads the research cluster on “Patterns of (Forced) Migration.” Her research interests include migration and refugee governance, including return policies. She is the co-founder of the AEGIS Collaborative Research Group on ‘African Migration, Mobility and Displacement’ (AMMODI).

In this exclusive interview with voiceforafricanmigrants.org, Dr Zanker spoke about why she wants to use her research work to highlight and counteract unjust and treatment of refugees and migrants. Excerpts:

What informed your decision to work in the area of migration?
Having moved a lot since I was a child, I experienced being a (privileged) migrant from a young age with all the beauty and challenges that contains. The places I have lived – UK, France, Netherlands, Australia and Germany – do not exactly have the best reputation of accommodating people from other parts of the world. It is the unjust and treatment of refugees and migrants that I want to highlight and counteract with my research work.

For the benefits of those who do not know, what is forced migration?
If we open a newspaper or listen to discussions by politicians, it seems that there are universally accepted definitions of “migration”, or “refugees” or “displaced”. Yet, I would argue that it is actually not that clear-cut: many people move for different reasons and in different ways over time. Why would a Nigerian in Germany be called an “irregular migrant” and a German in Nigeria an “expat”? The research cluster I lead at the Arnold-Bergstraesser Institute in Germany is called “patterns of (forced) migration” – the brackets are no accident, we want people to stumble over them and to question who defines a type of journey and for what purpose.

What can you say about the politics of forced migration in Africa?
This has been my primary research focus in recent years, also to counteract the heavy bias in migration research in general on states in the Global North. The politics around migration, displacement and refugees in Africa are of course complex and multifold, and depend on the different states, non-state actors who are involved as well as the society of the specific location. For example, in South Africa we find that the political reaction to migration is tied to a domestic interest of scapegoating migrants for a variety of social problems. In Uganda, hosting refugees is considered a political tool to gain international leverage, and to a degree also to improve development for local host communities.

What are the challenges posed by forced migration?
Of course it is highly problematic when people are forced to flee due to war, natural disasters or other issues and are moving against their choice. They will most likely have lost their home, faced numerous traumatic events along the way and often live in terrible conditions once they reach their destination, be it temporary or not. However, it must be said that migration per se is not a problem- it is something that has always happened since the beginning of humankind, and will continue no matter what. The challenge as I see it is the responses to migration – the unequal power of passports, the dangerous routes many migrants are forced to take because of European externalisation policies, the hostile reception migrants face after they arrive.

What steps can be taken to reduce forced migration in Africa and the world at large?
To start with, wars need to end, the climate crisis needs to be acknowledged and action taken at a governmental and international level, government repression of minorities or political opposition needs to end. Beyond that, as above, a major problem we face today is the conditions of migration – we live in a world where your origin determines where you can move to, in what ways and for what purpose. Further securing borders, building walls, only accepting quotas only adds oil to the fire and in the long-run may even give people more reasons to move in the first place. Governments across the world need to take a step back and realise their policies are not working, causing the tragic deaths of thousand migrants each year and need to be changed.

From your experience, what is most responsible for forced migration?
This is an interesting question. I would like to say “who” is the most responsible, rather than what. We have governments causing wars, passing homophobic legislation or endangering their political opponents. We also have governments, all over the world, who are maintaining an unjust globalised white supremacist capitalist system that only benefits a small minority, and leaves a majority suffering. Governments who are not acting on the climate emergency. Beyond that, we have companies who are implicated in these systems, but are also directly causing displacements for development projects for example. This is why the African Kampala Convention on Internally Displaced Persons is such an important legislation; it includes a section on development-induced displacement.

Kindly share your field experience especially the ones that touched your heart most.
It’s hard to point to one experience. Talking to a variety of actors from different settings, from politicians, civil society actors down to people experiencing policies at the everyday level is a vital part of my research work. It is a great privilege to be able to talk to such a variety of people and learn from situations outside my everyday contexts. Of course the treatment of migrants and refugees is often very sad to hear, and frustrating when there is so little you can do to change the situation apart from raise awareness of what is happening.

There has always been deportation of migrants from Europe to Africa. What do you make of this and why is it so rampant these days?
Through the use of social media there is certainly more awareness of deportations, which I believe is a good thing. This allows for more transparency in a situation where often basic human right standards are not met. Though European governments are keen to deport many migrants who have no claims to stay in Europe legally, the actual number of deportations is still quite low.

Are African countries obligated to accept all deportations or are they at liberty to say no?
This is actually not easy to answer. Under international customary law (i.e. what is “always done”) it seems to be that states have to accept (to receive) deportees without question. They are their citizens after all. It is for example also included as a responsibility in the Cotonou Agreement from 2000. It is not actually a legally binding obligation however. In addition, if we question international standards more broadly, arguing that they treat states unequally, do states have to oblige with them? It’s a tricky situation because most states want to remain in a favourable position in the international community for which they need to follow the “rules” and accept the return of those being deported. But states also need to do what’s best for their citizens. This might be refusing their deportation back home. Or telling other states that the rules of game are biased and unjust.

What is your position on externalisation of borders by the EU and mass deportation of black Africans by Tunisia?
The current state of affairs is heart breaking. The number of people that have died due to awful racist policies is scandalous. Worse than that, it is creating more conflict-situations, entrenching autocratic leadership, pushing people to the brinks of society unable to work, go to school or take part in civil life, that will only lead to further migrations. It is simply not a way to deal with a ‘problem’, especially when the problem is not the migration, but the response to it.

Deportees are often sent home empty handed without any help from the home country. Is there anything the EU can do in the light of this to help the deportees?
The EU needs to work on having a better relationship with the countries of origin to work with them to provide an expansive, long-term support network for people forced to come home. At the same time, no one will ever be happy if they are forced to go somewhere against their will. If the EU put viable, accessible and visible legal migration pathways into place, fewer people would have to try dangerous irregular pathways and not all hope would be lost for entire families if their members came home empty-handed.

The views expressed in this interview are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer, the Arnold-Bergstraesser Institute at the University of Freiburg.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Prof. Gloria Anetor

    September 30, 2023 at 9:33 am

    I really like this interview and how Francisca responded to the questions. However, I want to have a personal talk with Francisca. We have a sensitization workshop on migration issues on the 15th of February 2024 at the National Open University of Nigeria where I am the Director of its centre of excellence in migration and global studies. I want Francisca to be part of this event virtually. Kindly oblige me further discussion with you. Thank you.

  2. Ngozi Louis Uzomah

    September 30, 2023 at 10:28 am

    This is a great interview with some
    level of critical migration and border dimension that points out how the unfair and hegemonic partnerships and agreements between the Europa and Africa circumscribe people’s access to mobilit and mangrantized, problematized and racialized their movement. As a result, there is the global socioeconomic inequalities and access to citizenships and freedom of movement is restricted for people from Africa and those with fir example EU passport are given an almost unfettered access to countries in the world.

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Interviews

How I minister to Nigerian migrants, others imprisoned in UK – Chaplain  Ogwuche

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National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister who  also serves on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales, Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche, in this  interview with voiceforafricanmigrants.org speaks about his work as a prison chaplain and how he ministers to Nigerian migrants, and  other people  imprisoned in the UK.  Excerpts:

Tell us about yourself

My name is Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche, and I was born in Abakpa, Kaduna, Nigeria, though both of my parents come from Benue State. My early education was a challenging journey due to dyslexia, a neurodiverse condition that affects one’s ability to process written information. In some parts of the world, it is classified as a learning disability, and growing up with this condition certainly posed its own set of obstacles.

My upbringing was shaped by both of my parents, who embodied resilience and hard work. My father served in the Nigerian Army, specifically in the Supply and Transport Unit, and also worked as a personal cook for a colonial district officer in the Idoma division following his service in Burma under the British Army. My mother, although not formally educated, was a pillar of strength within our family. She ensured we had the basics, even amid financial challenges, and her memory continues to be a source of inspiration to me.

In terms of higher education, I have been fortunate to study at esteemed theological institutions in the United Kingdom. I hold certificates in Biblical and Evangelistic Studies from Cliff College, affiliated with the University of Sheffield, and a Certificate in Theology from the University of Manchester. I went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Global Mission and Culture) from the same institution. Most recently, I completed a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy from the University of Durham.

Were you born with a silver spoon or a wooden one?

Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that I was not born with any privileges, but my path has been one of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

What were you doing before you left Nigeria?

Before leaving Nigeria, I was deeply involved in ministry and education. Following my time at the United Pentecostal School of Theology, I served as a Street Evangelist and was later appointed Director of Bible Correspondence for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, an American mission. In this role, I oversaw the recruitment and administration of the Bible Correspondence Course programme, which played a key part in spreading the gospel and educating individuals across Nigeria.

From 1993 to 1996, I worked as Registrar at the Christian Leadership College in Lagos. My responsibilities included managing academic records, overseeing admissions, and ensuring the smooth operation of the college’s programmes. These roles provided invaluable experience in leadership, education, and evangelism, equipping me for the missionary work that followed.

At what point did you leave the country and why did you?

In 1996, I relocated to The Gambia after numerous missionary visits to Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Nigeria at the time was relatively stable, and my move was driven not by economic factors but by a call to serve humanity through God’s work. Since then, I have travelled extensively, volunteering for various causes around the globe, often at my own expense.

What was the experience like when you changed environment; smooth, tough and why?

Transitioning to life in the UK came with its challenges, including cultural adjustments and returning to formal education. Studying theology and chaplaincy in British institutions has deepened my understanding and enabled me to serve in various roles, including as a Hospital Chaplain, Maritime Cadet Chaplain, and Prison Chaplain. Additionally, I served as a Presbyter for the Methodist Church of Britain.

Today, I am the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister. I also serve on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales.

You are a  prison chaplain. What made you to choose this path?

My journey to prison chaplaincy has been anything but straightforward. After two formative years at Bible College, I found myself serving in various areas of ministry. Street evangelism, in particular, ignited my passion for outreach, while leading a Bible correspondence course honed my communication skills. These early experiences, combined with my time as an associate pastor and circuit minister, provided invaluable insights into pastoral care. Thirteen years ago, I felt the call to chaplaincy, first serving in hospitals and as a Maritime Cadet chaplain before finding my place as a prison chaplain.

My strong commitment to prison chaplaincy stems from my deeply held belief in justice and compassion, values central to my Christian faith. I am convinced that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of mercy and renewal. For me, this role is about more than providing spiritual guidance; it is about offering hope to those who are often forgotten by society.

What is your experience working with prisoners?

As a prison chaplain, I have the privilege of living out this belief every day. My role allows me to stand alongside people who are frequently marginalised, offering them encouragement, hope, and guidance on their journey. Working within the challenging environment of a prison is immensely fulfilling. It is here, behind the walls, that I have witnessed the raw struggles of human nature, as well as the immense potential for transformation that exists in every individual. My faith compels me to see beyond the labels and offences, to the person behind them—someone who needs guidance, understanding, and the chance for a new beginning.

My motivation for this work is also deeply personal. I am driven by the stories of redemption and change I have been privileged to witness—those moments when light breaks through the darkness, and lives are truly transformed. With the right support and spiritual nurturing, I have seen people rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible. My calling to serve as a prison chaplain is far more than a professional career; it is a mission to extend Christ’s love and compassion to those who are often overlooked. Through my work, I strive to create an environment where hope can flourish, and the possibility of new beginnings can take root.

In terms of professional standards, it is important to note that becoming a Christian chaplain in the UK prison system involves meeting rigorous requirements. Alongside the necessary theological education, Christian chaplains must be either Anglican priests or deacons, Catholic priests or laypersons, or ministers from other denominations recognised under the Free Church Groups. These chaplains are trained and accredited faith practitioners within their own religious communities, and they are held accountable by their respective Christian denominations.

My commitment to providing holistic, faith-based care within the prison system remains steadfast. This role allows me to offer a sense of hope and spiritual renewal to those who need it most, helping them navigate their personal journeys towards transformation. It is a calling that I embrace with both humility and conviction, trusting in the power of faith to inspire real, meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

Former Nigerian deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife are in prison in the UK. Have you by any means met them and how are they doing?

As a Nigerian-British citizen and someone deeply involved in the UK justice system, I am well aware of the case and convictions of Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu and his wife. Their situation has captured the attention of many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. My vested interest in the welfare of Nigerians in foreign prisons is not just professional but also personal. As the founder of the Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative (NOPSI), I am committed to supporting Nigerians who find themselves incarcerated abroad.

While I have not had the opportunity to meet the Ekweremadus personally, my role as His Majesty’s Prison Chaplain has allowed me to inquire about their welfare through colleagues in chaplaincy who serve at their establishment. I am kept informed of their respective locations, but due to confidentiality, I am unable to disclose this information publicly.

At present, NOPSI has formally requested a visit to the Ekweremadus, as part of our commitment to offering support to fellow Nigerians. However, because I work closely with the Ministry of Justice, I must undergo the necessary security clearances to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Our purpose in visiting them is to provide encouragement and to remind them that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their imprisonment, we are here for them as compatriots, offering support and hope in difficult times.

Aside  Ekweremadu are there other high profile Nigerians in the prisons in the UK?

There are indeed other Nigerians, including pastors, currently serving sentences in UK prisons. However, I am not in a position to reveal their names or identities due to their right to privacy. These individuals have been convicted of a range of offences, from fraud and drug-related crimes to sexual offences and even murder.

While it may be surprising to hear of religious leaders finding themselves in such circumstances, it is essential to remember that they are human too, capable of making mistakes or poor decisions. Additionally, some of the offences for which these individuals are imprisoned might have had different outcomes had they occurred in Nigeria, where the legal system operates differently.

The UK is renowned for its strict adherence to law and order, and it does not make exceptions for one’s status or position. As the saying goes, “if you do the crime, you must be prepared to do the time,” which rings especially true in the British judicial system. It’s a stark reminder that justice here is impartial, and everyone is held accountable, regardless of their role in society.

Aside from the UK, do you also  work with prisoners in other countries?

I have recently returned from Hong Kong, where I was working to establish NOPSI’s Asia Regional Office. This office will allow us to extend our support to Nigerian prisoners across the region, including in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and other locations. In November, I will be travelling to The Gambia to set up a similar office in West Africa.

Once we are fully operational, I believe we will be able to expand our efforts to other regions as well. However, this is not a task we can accomplish on our own. The success of our mission will require the support and collaboration of the Nigerian diplomatic missions, particularly through the Diaspora Commission. Their backing is crucial as we strive to provide assistance and advocacy for Nigerians incarcerated abroad.

How are you working it out, I mean serving as prison chaplain in the UK and also extending your ministry to other parts of the world?

As I mentioned earlier, while I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain, it can be a challenging role, particularly when navigating the complexities of the system. One of the main difficulties arises from potential conflicts of interest between my duties as a chaplain within Her Majesty’s Prisons and any external activities I undertake, especially in relation to Nigerian prisoners.

Security concerns mean that I must be cautious and mindful of my responsibilities, ensuring that my work outside the prison does not interfere with or compromise my role within the establishment. As such, I have to approach my support for Nigerian prisoners with great care, balancing my commitment to them with the need to uphold the security protocols and professional standards required in my position.

Any plans to do similar thing in Nigeria?

At present, there are no plans to establish a similar initiative in Nigeria, as the country is still evolving in its approach to justice. For example, I am not aware of any statutory prison chaplaincy in Nigeria, unlike the system we have here in the UK and across much of the Western world.

In the UK, the Prison Act of 1952 mandates that “every prison shall have a governor, a chaplain, and a medical officer, and such other officers as may be necessary.” This legislation laid the foundation for chaplaincy to be formally recognised and remunerated by the Ministry of Justice, enabling chaplains to perform statutory duties in addition to their primary roles in providing spiritual, pastoral, and religious care.

This statutory recognition and support for chaplaincy in the UK creates a structured environment in which chaplains can effectively fulfil their roles within the prison system. Until a similar framework is established in Nigeria, implementing such initiatives will remain a challenge.

Which government agencies would you be working with in Nigeria to actualise your dreams?

I believe there are approximately four key agencies in Nigeria that NOPSI is particularly interested in collaborating with. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and, where possible, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Partnering with these organisations would be instrumental in achieving our goals, as they each play a vital role in the administration of justice and the welfare of Nigerians abroad. By working together, we can strengthen support systems for Nigerians incarcerated overseas and ensure they receive the assistance they need throughout their time in prison and beyond.

What is your opinion about prisons in Nigeria and how can the situations be made better?

The Nigerian Prison Service, now rebranded as the Nigerian Correctional Service, has long struggled with negative public perception. A simple change of name does not necessarily reflect a change in character. However, the issue goes beyond the Nigerian Correctional Service itself; it is part of a larger systemic problem that affects both the public and private sectors of Nigerian society. Until Nigerians fully understand the responsibilities of citizenship on a micro level, these problems will persist, as those working in these sectors are, after all, also Nigerians.

This brings to mind Fyodor Dostoevsky’s observation: “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” For example, the average cost of housing a prisoner in the United Kingdom is between £44,000 and £54,500 per year, while in Norway it is around £102,000. In stark contrast, Nigeria spends less than $300 per prisoner annually. This stark difference highlights the value placed on those in correctional facilities.

A clinical psychologist and prison governor in Norway once explained to The Guardian why Norwegian prisoners are treated with dignity: “The punishment is that you lose your freedom. If we treat people like animals when they are in prison, they are likely to behave like animals. Here, we pay attention to you as human beings.” The situation in Nigeria’s correctional system can improve, but only if both Nigerians and the Nigerian government begin to place real value on their citizens. Until this shift happens, meaningful reform remains unlikely.

Which experience in your work as a prison chaplain made you emotional, I mean moved you to tears or unforgettable to you till date?

Every time I walk down the wings to visit the men, I am acutely aware that I could have been one of them. This thought resonates deeply with me, but what strikes me even more is the disproportionate number of young Black men within the prison system. I often see my younger self reflected in these individuals. However, as a chaplain, I look beyond their crimes and see them as men in need of compassion and support. This is why I have dedicated the rest of my life to walking alongside those who find themselves imprisoned around the world.

I hope that those of us outside the prison walls will have a change of heart and spare some thought for those on the inside. There are Nigerians in prisons in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore who will never return to Nigerian soil, having been convicted and sentenced to death. It is essential for the Nigerian government to remember that, despite their circumstances, these individuals remain Nigerians. Ultimately, we are all imprisoned in some way—it’s just a matter of degree.

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RSA shares testimony of Pylos shipwreck survivor

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Refugee Support Aegean has shared the testimony of a survivor of the Pylos shipwreck that claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

The report is reproduced below unedited.

Testimony of a survivor of the shipwreck in Pylos

“We were on a thin line between life and death! Once to life and once to death, like that. In all our life we won’t forget what happened.”

“It’s their country, it’s their coast guard. We came here, as we say, ‘broken and uprooted’. We lost our loved ones from inside our hands, in front of our very eyes we lost them. We only ask that justice be served to us.”

On Friday 14 June 2024, one year after the deadly Pylos shipwreck, we published the feature “Justice for the Crime in Pylos.” This feature includes a video with participation from survivors of the shipwreck and RSA lawyer Eleni Spathana, as well as an updated chronology of the Pylos shipwreck. The feature is a co-production of Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) and News247.gr.

Today, in the occasion of the World Refugee Day, we are publishing the transcript of the testimony given to us for the above video by Bilal*, a survivor of the shipwreck from Pakistan:

The situation on the boat was terrible. From the first day, we had felt things were not well at all because there were too many people on board, about 700 to 750, so we were scared as it was our first sea travel. We didn’t understand exactly what would happen to us, so we prayed to God. We didn’t know if we would make it alive or not.

When the coast guard vessel arrived, we hoped we might be saved, as after 5 days and nights at sea we had neither no food nor drinkable water, and were taking water from the sea to drink… That’s why as soon as we saw the coast guards, we felt we would stay alive. But what always happens is what God wants! What happened to us had never occurred within the 5 days of the journey. We had reached there with great difficulty, trying in every way. But everyone knows what the Coast Guard did to us after!

However, they did all that, and we didn’t understand why they did this at the moment. That incident is something we will never forget in our entire lives! Had they not done this, meaning tying our boat with the rope and pulling it, then maybe these people who are missing or who are no longer in this world would have been saved and would be alive!

When that happened and our ship capsized and we ended up in the water, we were

helpless in our struggle for life! We didn’t understand anything, we didn’t know what to do because we couldn’t see a thing in the sea at that time, there was only darkness and water everywhere!

As soon as the ship capsized, some of us tried to climb onto it and screamed for help. We were shouting but no one came to help us! The coast guard vessel went far away and stopped there. We didn’t know what to do on the overturned ship. We were trying to hold onto each other to pull people from the sea and bring them on board.

How could we know the boat would slowly sink, capsized. Slowly it sank completely and we all ended up in the sea hanging on to one another. We then broke away from one another, we took distance so we would not hang on to one another. That is, if I could save myself, then others shouldn’t grab me and pull me down and drown me, or the reverse, I shouldn’t drag and drown them. That’s why we tried to separate so we could survive longer in the sea. We had hope within us that if we got close to the coast guard lights and they saw us, they would maybe save us.

We were on a thin line between life and death! Once to life and once to death, like that. It was a very difficult situation. In all our life we won’t forget what happened. We swam for a long time with the clothes we were wearing, feeling as if we had no strength left in our bodies. We were extremely tired! We already felt extremely weak because we hadn’t eaten or drunk water for 5 days. We tried, slowly, and reached close to the ship. When we had swum more than half the distance in the sea, the coast guards lowered a speedboat. Those who were saved by swimming and managed to reach the coast guard vessel on their own, were picked up by them.

We were 5 relatives together, my brother-in-law, me and another 3 cousins. We had started the trip together from Pakistan. How could we know we were getting into a “death trip”! That something like this would happen to us. It was the first time I was traveling by sea in my life. We had started our journey from home with dreams of a better future. The five of us hoped for many things, and entirely different things happened to us. I can’t think of the words to say about the people who were lost… The scenes were shocking. Now, almost a year has gone by, and we have no idea what exactly happened to them.

When they rescued us, we didn’t know which country the coast guards were from, where they were taking us, what would happen to us, etc. We didn’t know anything. Later, as time passed, we started feeling somewhat better. But even though we may seem better now, what happened in our lives will never be forgotten. It feels like something is breaking inside people, that’s how we feel, broken from within…

We have been in a camp for a year. They didn’t inform us or support us, nor our relatives. They just put us in the camp as if to say “come, wait, and leave”. This is what is happening to us.

Our demands? What demand can we have? Only a request. It’s their country, it’s their coast guard. We came here, as we say, “broken and uprooted”. We lost our loved ones from inside our hands, in front of our very eyes we lost them. On the Greek coast guard I will only say: if they are responsible for the boat tragedy, then they should be punished, they should publicly say whose fault was it? Whether they would have rescued us or not? Only themselves and God know. We don’t know if they came to rescue us or not. We only ask that justice be served to us.

No rich person would start such a journey. The poor, who are already exhausted by their country’s situation and cannot survive in Pakistan, are the ones who decide to leave Pakistan hoping to reach Europe and build a future for themselves and their children.

But who knew that in the journey meant to build their and their children’s future, that future would be destroyed forever! I plead with the Greek government to deliver justice to their families so they can live a somewhat better life. And for us to be supported, to receive documents or to take any step for us so that we may at least once see our families in Pakistan.

Because they are in great pain. Externally they may seem fine, but from the inside they are broken. Someone has a young son, another a young brother, someone has a husband, victims of this disaster, and they have no one to support their family. So I implore you for such a step to be taken so they can live a better life somehow.

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Ghanaian returnee Bismark turns environment advocate

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A Ghanaian returnee, Bismark is using the knowledge he garnered in Germany to help in tackling waste challenges in his country.

“In 2017, after my university studies, I got a chance to travel to Germany through the Bundesfreiwilligendienst Program. It was during this time that I gained more insights into how one can live a sustainable life. When I went shopping, I didn’t see people with plastic bags; one must even pay for a plastic shopping bag! It opened my perspective, and I already was having a lot of wild dreams of what I can do when I come back to Ghana,” he said.

Despite having a great time in Germany, Bismark recollects:

“I saw many things in Germany that don’t work for me. When I returned home, people in Ghana asked me, ‘Why did you come back? Stay in Europe! If I were you, I’d never return.’ My response was always the same: ‘You have no idea!”

Bismark returned to Ghana in 2018. Ambitious to contribute to tackling Ghana’s waste challenge, he got to work right away. He reflects:

“As a returnee, coming back with just an idea, I met with colleagues from IOM and GIZ, where I received some support with setting up my business. I started with Reusable Bags in 2019 as a social enterprise. We are interested in finding sustainable alternatives to single use plastics. We do this through education and through advocacy. The main aspect is making these alternatives available through production. We are using fabric or textile waste to address the issue of plastic waste.”

Bismark developed a comprehensive business model that spans from training to production. He explains:

“It’s a full operation. Our workers go through education and training. After the training, we recruit some of them, and others receive sewing machines, and we outsource some of our production to them.”

Bismark supervising trainees’ work at Reusable Bags Gh (IOM Ghana Photo: Juliane Reissig)
Bismark understands the benefits of migration and actively promotes them to other young Ghanaians.

“Today, I continue to volunteer for the same program that gave me the opportunity to travel to Germany. I mentor young people and inform them about the opportunities they can explore. I tell them, it’s a one in ten chance that you’ll make it big if you go abroad. The unconventional means you’re considering to reach an unknown destination is very risky and unlikely to solve your problems.”

He is challenging the youth to ask themselves:

“What do you have? Can you sell something? If yes, can you sell it here? If no, can you be here and sell it elsewhere? If you think it’s school you want to go to, possibly abroad, go have that experience, and then decide for yourself if you want to live there.”

It was that experience of living abroad that led Bismark to where he is today. And he has opened many doors for himself since then. Most recently, in January 2024, Bismark received the Migrants4Climate Award – as one of three winners from across the globe.

Bismark is ambitious to continue his path and make his dream a reality:

“My vision is that by 2030, sustainable alternatives to single use plastic would be readily available for people to use; be it shopping bags, baskets for shopping, or other.”

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