Life in Télimélé was far from easy. Mamadou had no access to education and never attended school. His family home had no electricity or running water, and their primary source of income came from farming rice. Despite these challenges, Mamadou grew up surrounded by his family’s love and resilience. In 2022, inspired by his late father’s footsteps, Mamadou decided to study the Quran so he could one day teach it in his local community. His uncle brought him to Gambia, where he began his studies. However, in 2023, tragedy struck again. Mamadou received a phone call informing him that his uncle—the father figure in his life—had passed away, leaving his mother a widow for the second time.

Heartbroken, Mamadou made the long journey back to Guinea to support his family during this devastating time. In his home village, he witnessed the immense struggles his family faced and gained a deeper appreciation for all that his mother had done for them. He realized that, as a son, he bore a heavy responsibility to provide for his family. Determined to help, Mamadou decided to leave Guinea once more, traveling to Senegal in search of better opportunities to earn money and send it back home. However, life in Senegal was harsh, and opportunities were scarce. Faced with limited options, Mamadou made the treacherous decision to attempt the dangerous journey from Senegal to Europe, hoping for a better future for himself and his family.

He boarded a small, overcrowded wooden boat, the type often used by refugees for such perilous journeys. With no roof or proper seating, the passengers were fully exposed to the harsh sun, cold nights, and relentless sea spray. Crammed shoulder to shoulder with 159 others, there was barely enough room to move. Supplies were limited—just water and biscuits to sustain them for the journey. For eight or nine gruelling days, they braved the open sea, vulnerable to the elements. By the time they reached Europe, the saltwater had caused painful cuts and sores on Mamadou’s skin, a physical reminder of the hardships he endured.

He first arrived in Tenerife, where the Red Cross provided him with food and temporary shelter. From there, he was transferred to Málaga, Spain, where he encountered kind people who offered him support. It was in Málaga that Mamadou finally acquired a phone and made contact with his family in Guinea, reassuring them that he was safe. With the help of other refugees he met along the way, Mamadou made his way to Paris by train. Despite his lack of formal education, he speaks five languages—a testament to his determination and adaptability. Yet, his arrival in France brought fresh challenges. Initially denied accommodation, Mamadou spent the harsh winter months of January and February 2024 sleeping along the banks of the Seine. Still, he remained resolute, knowing that his journey was far from over. Through the support of NGOs, Mamadou began the lengthy and complex process of applying for recognition as a minor in France. Finally, in July 2024, his perseverance paid off. Mamadou was officially recognized as a minor, granting him legal protection, a safe place to live, and access to education for the first time in his life.

Today, Mamadou is thriving in his new environment. He is pursuing his passion for mechanics and actively seeking an apprenticeship in the field. His goal is to secure stable employment so he can support his family back in Guinea. We are incredibly proud to have him as the captain of our football team, “Les Gars de la Ville.” His exceptional leadership skills and compassion for others inspire everyone around him. Mamadou’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the unyielding hope for a brighter future.