Escaped from misery in Niger found happiness in sailing

Today we tell you another beautiful story of sailing and redemption. The main characters are two: Yahia, a boy born in impoverished Niger who seemed to have no future. And the New Sardiniasail association created by Simone Camba (we told you about it HERE recounting the story of the two difficult Italian boys who have now become sailors).

THE STORY OF YAHIA

Yahia was born in Niger, a landlocked desert country and one of the poorest on the planet, where he lost all of his family members and from where he escaped by embarking on a makeshift boat to Libya. A risky adventure because the young man cannot swim, but he has landed in Sardinia where he is housed in a migrant center in Villacidro (a town about 50 kilometers from Cagliari).

Here he stands out: hard worker. The turning point comes at the Cagliari Police Immigration Office where he meets Simone Camba for the renewal of his residence permit. The president of New Sardiniasail, the association that focuses on social inclusion through sailing. Yahia boards a boat again, this time safely, and demonstrates great willpower, determination and passion for the sea. A skipper, a sailor.

Yahia’s story is summarized by Simone Camba, the immigration and sailing policeman with the La Rotta della Legalità project dedicated to Sardinian minors with criminal problems entrusted to the officer by the Cagliari Justice Center.

And then thanks to private support there is the story of the boy from Niger and another foreigner who participate in the association’s sailing activities. “In July 2020, the boy approached my office to renew his residence permit. I have always been sensitive to stories of poverty and degradation but Yahia’s struck me more than the others. He could not swim, much less have any idea what a sailboat looked like….“.

A TIRELESS SKIPPER

But want is power: “Today Yahia is among the most present members of our team, traveling daily by bus from Villacidro to our base in the port of Cagliari-a space granted by the Naval League.. Seeing him grow and improve day by day repays me for every sacrifice – emphasizes Simone –. Here, this is the only thing I earn with New Sardiniasail and I will never stop getting rich“.

It is a story of social and cultural redemption. “Many people know little about Niger, the landlocked north-central African state where more than two-thirds of the territory is desert, only a few areas offer decent living conditions, one of the poorest countries on the planet. Few resources except uranium and too many armed conflicts. From this very serious crisis situation Yahia escaped. Ran away from the village where he was born On 01.01.1992 that is the standard date for those who do not know the exact day of birth“.

In Sardinia he found acceptance and the opportunity to build his future in the boating world: “Some boys in the past have found jobs in the boating industry. I hope so for Yahia as well, however, not right away since in the sea he shows great skills all to be used in the regattas that await us soon. A unique experience and possible thanks to all the partners and sponsors who support us“.

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