"A year ago today I set foot in Lamu for the first time…so many memories, and this second time in June has been just as amazing.
When people ask me why did I repeat the experience I can only say it was because I believe in them, and if they ask me: ‘will you come back?’ My answer is still I will, because I love them.
Seeing this year the progress, the improvement of their houses, women proudly inviting you to see how big their kitchen is, because they know they have achieved that; seeing their children grow up, running around and studying, seeing it all has been like living in a cloud.
I have experienced moments that will live in me forever: laughing while they brush my hair, learning how to cook with them, getting blisters on my hands from cutting leather by their side...
Getting excited to see Afrikable grow, the improvements in the workshop, the Maternity becoming more of a reality than a dream... each one of these feelings make me say, without hesitating or stuttering, ‘go and feel it for yourself!’ to everyone who asks me about the project. Fill your heart with their voices, their music, all of their doubts, their dreams; enjoy seeing them attend talks on politics, rights, health… enjoy dancing next to them to the beat of the drums and enjoy those chants that I will never understand but I hope I never stop hearing them...
For me Afrikable means fighting, dreams, future, joy; it means that the world can be a better place for everyone if we dare to get to know those who live far away from us, if we dare to admire them, if we dare to support them and make their fight our fight...
Asante sana to this year’s coordinators, Erika and Irene, for looking after us and after them! I love you!
To Lola and Merche... I hope to keep admiring your tireless work and to keep learning to love without trying to change what you love."
Translator: Sonia Moscardó
