Dienstag, 21. August 2018
SH@H Frankfurt: Participant Kofi about the past years in Germany and his reasons to take part in our curriculum.
“I am Kofi, also known as the `Senator’, due to my political engagement in my home country. I have been in Europe for 18 years, 11 of those spend in Germany. For this whole time I have not been able to visit my home because my conditions here didn’t allow it.
I am 52 years old and I have two children, a son and a daughter. I have not seen my son since he was 5 years old. I really miss my family and I don’t have any relatives here. Now and then I am meeting some friends, but I don’t really have anybody whom to trust with my problems and thoughts. I still don’t feel completely integrated into society.
My family depends on me because of the difficult conditions back home. Every month I have to send money for food, clothes and school fees. In order for my grandparents to be buried appropriately I had to send money, but I didn’t earn enough, the funeral cost 6000 Euro. That’s why I gave up my apartment and stayed with friends. Ever since I have been sleeping on a couch. I just can’t take it anymore to live like this. I have taken the decision to return.
Despite all difficulties I will face in my home country, I have decided to go back in spring 2019. On my arrival I will have to rent a flat. You are obliged to pay the rent one year in advance. I don’t have the money- and no idea how this return will work out. Still, I am determined. I have said goodbye to my colleagues at work and almost finished packing. I don’t know what I will have to face as a failed man coming from Europe with empty hands.
I have passed my Abitur in Management but it won’t be enough to get a job. My chances are very low because of my age. I have a few ideas in mind which to carry out back home but I need support.
StartHope@Home is what I need right now. I am happy to be given this opportunity to take part in the Coaching. I am confident, that I will be develop more ideas during the coaching and apprehend the tools necessary for establishing my own business."
Text: Tino Dagba and Dorcas Spitzhorn
Social Impact Lab Frankfurt, August 14th 2018
