Open Encounters Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/open-encounters Hear the voices of the people who have crossed the Mediterranean Sea. After crossing continents, countries, the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean on inflatable boats, now they are on the next journey, of settling their lives in Italy, and beyond. From humanitarian storytelling publication Migrants of the Mediterranean, this podcast brings light to the migrant flow in Italy and the EU in human terms. Migration continues to dominate the headlines in Europe, the US and around the world, but still so often only in political terms. Here, we change that. Get to know the individuals themselves in one-on-one conversations with host and founder of Migrants of the Mediterranean, Pamela Kerpius. Learn more about Migrants of the Mediterranean and read every journey story at the site. © 2019 Pamela Kerpius 5d7d8523-d5d4-5b1d-a4d4-ca4e6c8114e9 no Support this podcast en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:35:27 -0400 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:21:29 -0500 http://www.migrantsofthemed.com https://img.transistor.fm/K_5zG4v2CiZfm0uiOhqlHU80HU8FQyvESbpW8ScWVCI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMyMTEvMTU2MzI5/MzY0Mi1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg Open Encounters http://www.migrantsofthemed.com episodic Pamela Kerpius Hear the voices of the people who have crossed the Mediterranean Sea. After crossing continents, countries, the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean on inflatable boats, now they are on the next journey, of settling their lives in Italy, and beyond. From humanitarian storytelling publication Migrants of the Mediterranean, this podcast brings light to the migrant flow in Italy and the EU in human terms. Migration continues to dominate the headlines in Europe, the US and around the world, but still so often only in political terms. Here, we change that. Get to know the individuals themselves in one-on-one conversations with host and founder of Migrants of the Mediterranean, Pamela Kerpius. Learn more about Migrants of the Mediterranean and read every journey story at the site. Hear the voices of the people who have crossed the Mediterranean Sea. migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy Migrants of the Mediterranean No No Mental Health Crisis: Abraham, Abdul, Mohammad + Anas Mental Health Crisis: Abraham, Abdul, Mohammad + Anas full 31e59568-5c4d-49ed-a12d-be2360e779b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f4dc86a What’s at stake when you enter a state housing system as an asylum seeker? In The Netherlands, there is a roof over your head, food on the table, and in this Middelburg location, a spacious game room and lounge where you can watch TV, play video games or share coffee with a friend. There is safety and even comfort here. So why are so many of the people living inside facing mental health crises?––of depression and even suicide. MotM has reported from the Middelburg, Netherlands COA housing camp over the course of 2021 with great esteem for its operations. We have walked away every time with a sense of warmth, solidarity and total transparency from the people inside working to keep the complex going, in spite of paralyzing limitations. There are missing mental health resources, and that’s what we talk about in this episode today. It was our last report from Middelburg in 2021, recorded in early November 2021.


Hear MotM’s Lead Correspondent, Pamela Kerpius, in conversation with Abraham (Nigeria), Abdul Mohammed Ali (Somalia), Anas (Ghana) and Mohammed (Syria) in this episode, the last of the year and our most urgent to date. Thank you for standing with us this year to keep sharing these hidden stories in the migrant community––for supporting our friends whose voices you hear here today. Donate what you can to our 3rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser to help keep this storytelling alive in 2022. So much is at stake. Thank you for standing with us!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> What’s at stake when you enter a state housing system as an asylum seeker? In The Netherlands, there is a roof over your head, food on the table, and in this Middelburg location, a spacious game room and lounge where you can watch TV, play video games or share coffee with a friend. There is safety and even comfort here. So why are so many of the people living inside facing mental health crises?––of depression and even suicide. MotM has reported from the Middelburg, Netherlands COA housing camp over the course of 2021 with great esteem for its operations. We have walked away every time with a sense of warmth, solidarity and total transparency from the people inside working to keep the complex going, in spite of paralyzing limitations. There are missing mental health resources, and that’s what we talk about in this episode today. It was our last report from Middelburg in 2021, recorded in early November 2021.


Hear MotM’s Lead Correspondent, Pamela Kerpius, in conversation with Abraham (Nigeria), Abdul Mohammed Ali (Somalia), Anas (Ghana) and Mohammed (Syria) in this episode, the last of the year and our most urgent to date. Thank you for standing with us this year to keep sharing these hidden stories in the migrant community––for supporting our friends whose voices you hear here today. Donate what you can to our 3rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser to help keep this storytelling alive in 2022. So much is at stake. Thank you for standing with us!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 2255 What’s at stake when you enter a state housing system as an asylum seeker? Join MotM Lead Correspondent, Pamela Kerpius, in conversation with Abraham (Nigeria), Abdul Mohammed Ali (Somalia), Anas (Ghana) and Mohammed (Syria) in Middelburg, Netherlands, in this episode, the last of the year and our most urgent to date, on the mental health crisis in the migrant community. What’s at stake when you enter a state housing system as an asylum seeker? Join MotM Lead Correspondent, Pamela Kerpius, in conversation with Abraham (Nigeria), Abdul Mohammed Ali (Somalia), Anas (Ghana) and Mohammed (Syria) in Middelburg, Netherlands, in migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Sea Rescue: Meet Miguel Sea Rescue: Meet Miguel full 9cdcaa30-7af2-4e26-a940-a23e606630f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/79f9a3d9 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 4569 Please meet more of those from the rescue community. Miguel Duarte worked aboard the Iuventa through the now-defunct German sea rescue operation Jugend Rettet from 2016-2017 on four missions. On his final mission, the Iuventa came to port and was immediately seized by Italian authorities who falsely claimed he and his shipmates had participated in aiding human trafficking, among other unfounded charges. It is part of the narrative to criminalize NGO rescue ships, which are seen as acting against the political interests of Italy and the EU, and leaving thousands of lives in the Central Mediterranean hanging in the balance. Miguel's important testimony will move you. Please meet more of those from the rescue community. Miguel Duarte worked aboard the Iuventa through the now-defunct German sea rescue operation Jugend Rettet from 2016-2017 on four missions. On his final mission, the Iuventa came to port and was immediat migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Sea Rescue: Meet Francesco Sea Rescue: Meet Francesco full 574a5d82-ea23-4b4f-a296-166fcafbc0fb https://share.transistor.fm/s/b866376f Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 2798 You've met many people over the years who were rescued at sea. But what about the people who rescued them? Who are they, and what was their role in this arc of migration history? Today we take a departure from our usual interviews with people in the migrant community to meet one of those rescuers, Francesco Tripoli. Francesco worked aboard the Sea Watch 2 and Sea Watch 3 ships from 2017-2018 on five different missions. Hear his testimony about what it was like, and the gratitude he has for the people who were onboard with him. With a special guest appearance from his rooster crowing on his farm in Portugal, where he spoke to Open Encounters in late February 2021 in New York City. You've met many people over the years who were rescued at sea. But what about the people who rescued them? Who are they, and what was their role in this arc of migration history? Today we take a departure from our usual interviews with people in the migra migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No SPECIAL EPISODE: Reunion with Alagie SPECIAL EPISODE: Reunion with Alagie full a3c93dcc-b092-49cd-985e-dabc3508e0c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c49815fd Read Alagie's original Journey Story, recorded in Lampedusa, Sicily, one day after his rescue at sea in November 2016.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Alagie's original Journey Story, recorded in Lampedusa, Sicily, one day after his rescue at sea in November 2016.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1456 This is what it’s about. This is what makes what we do so valuable: connecting with human beings in a real, meaningful and intimate way. In this episode we might find the very definition of Humanitarian Storytelling, in a reunion after a years-long gap. Alagie (Gambia) and Pamela met in November 2016 on Lampedusa at the very moment he stepped off the rescue ship and onto land. It was the next day when they really met in person on the streets of the tiny island town, where she recorded his Journey Story. He lost her contact information, she never heard anything about him. Until one day in mid-July 2020, a mutual contact saw his story on the site and put us back in touch. Today’s episode is that phone-reunion conversation with Alagie and Pamela after three-and-a-half years. This is what it’s about. This is what makes what we do so valuable: connecting with human beings in a real, meaningful and intimate way. In this episode we might find the very definition of Humanitarian Storytelling, in a reunion after a years-long gap. A migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No On Racism: Bapa, Part II On Racism: Bapa, Part II full 3d4fa70b-402f-4e2c-bf8f-07d869f2ebe5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd503592 Hear Part I of his conversation with Open Encounters on "Lockdown, Labor & Life."

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Part I of his conversation with Open Encounters on "Lockdown, Labor & Life."

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1148 "I call it another pandemic," Bapa (Sierra Leone) said about racism in Europe and around the world. We spoke via phone from his home in Passau, Germany as the global debate surges around systemic racism and police brutality after the murder of George Floyd. He talks about being an outsider, being denied entry to clubs and bars for being black and a migrant, and remembers friends from his time in Libya whose whereabouts are unknown. "I call it another pandemic," Bapa (Sierra Leone) said about racism in Europe and around the world. We spoke via phone from his home in Passau, Germany as the global debate surges around systemic racism and police brutality after the murder of George Floy migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No On Lockdown, Labor & Life: Bapa, Part I On Lockdown, Labor & Life: Bapa, Part I full 174f3353-c6dd-4c53-876c-bbf142b6631a https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0a15aa6 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1515 "You have to fight for what you like...Try, even if they tell you it's not possible for you, leave them. Don't argue. Keep fighting. Fight in a positive way," said Bapa (Sierra Leone) from his home in Passau, Germany. As lockdowns keep lifting and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, Germany, and in Belgium. When Bapa arrived in Italy before crossing to Germany in 2016, he had a dream for his life. And even though the reality is different than what he first imagined, he continues with resiliency and a lot of heart. Tune in to Part II of our conversation, on racism, tomorrow. "You have to fight for what you like...Try, even if they tell you it's not possible for you, leave them. Don't argue. Keep fighting. Fight in a positive way," said Bapa (Sierra Leone) from his home in Passau, Germany. As lockdowns keep lifting and we cont migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No SPECIAL EPISODE: Babou's Update SPECIAL EPISODE: Babou's Update full 1c9ddcaa-d299-44c8-8190-03e4084d4c5f https://share.transistor.fm/s/7aaae2ef Hear Babou's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019, and his episode from Covid-19 lockdown.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Babou's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019, and his episode from Covid-19 lockdown.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:30:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 841 Our friend Babou (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Padova, Italy with some good news. Plus, he thoughts on George Floyd after weeks of unrest in the US and around the globe, and a standing invitation to the restaurant where he works in Mestrino, Italy. Our friend Babou (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Padova, Italy with some good news. Plus, he thoughts on George Floyd after weeks of unrest in the US and around the globe, and a standing invitation to the restaurant where he works migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No On Racism: Ousmane On Racism: Ousmane full c0304012-dc37-4549-af45-84c1b68d0960 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3da7a75 Hear his first episode with Open Encounters last month from Covid-19 lockdown.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear his first episode with Open Encounters last month from Covid-19 lockdown.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1780 Our friend Ousmane (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Bayern (Bavaria state), Germany about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. He expresses his sorrow for George Floyd's family, discusses classism versus racism in The Gambia, and his perception of police violence in America in contrast to the more advisory role the police play in Italy and in Germany, and more. Our friend Ousmane (Gambia), speaks again to Open Encounters via phone from Bayern (Bavaria state), Germany about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. He expresses his sorrow for George Floyd's family, discusses classis migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No On Racism: Pazi On Racism: Pazi full fe744c1a-5dbb-4d49-bd7f-33944a63b055 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c36711c And hear his original episode with Open Encounters from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> And hear his original episode with Open Encounters from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1667 Long-time friend of MotM, Pazi (Gambia), spoke to Open Encounters via phone from Rome, Italy about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. We are energized by his voice, his vision, and his audacity to speak of the city around him totally unapologetically, even while he frequently remains the center of grotesque moments of racial discrimination. He will not shrink in the face of it. Long-time friend of MotM, Pazi (Gambia), spoke to Open Encounters via phone from Rome, Italy about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. We are energized by his voice, his vision, and his audacity to speak of the city ar migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No On Racism: Richard On Racism: Richard full 5db9d232-6db7-4e1f-9674-c05242df8264 https://share.transistor.fm/s/750a81a6 Hear Richard talk about migrant labor in Italy, about his Covid-19 lockdown experience, and his original episode for Open Encounters in 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Richard talk about migrant labor in Italy, about his Covid-19 lockdown experience, and his original episode for Open Encounters in 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:30:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1081 "We are human like you....Whether you are white, whether you are black: forget the color, we are all human," said Richard (Nigeria) via phone from Livorno, Italy. He spoke to Open Encounters about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of George Floyd. And while we initially asked about his experience in Italy, quickly he steered the conversation about his time crossing North Africa, and through Libya in particular where racism against outsiders hit a brutal peak. Hear his very brave words, and his call to love one another no matter who or where you are in the world. "We are human like you....Whether you are white, whether you are black: forget the color, we are all human," said Richard (Nigeria) via phone from Livorno, Italy. He spoke to Open Encounters about racism after weeks of unrest in the US after the murder of migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Mahamed on Migrant Labor From COVID-19 Lockdown: Mahamed on Migrant Labor full e489161f-ad29-4d63-8b90-767cd76bd648 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab51cc58 Read Mahamed's original journey story on the site, recorded in November 2018 (e in italiano).

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Mahamed's original journey story on the site, recorded in November 2018 (e in italiano).

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 930 Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, Germany, and now in Belgium. In this episode, we speak to Mahamed (Gambia), from his home in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Migrant labor exploitation is in the news in Italy, but Mahamed has a much different experience in Belgium where he is fairly paid. "One day here is two days in Italy" he said about his work at the Carrefour supermarket. The economy in Belgium is better than Italy's of course, but so is the organization of how migrants are received, tracked and integrated into society. Hear our telephone reunion as life starts to get back to normal for him after Covid-19 hit. Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, Germany, and now in Belgium. In this episode, we speak to Mahamed (Gambia), from his home in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Migrant labor exploitation is in th migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Richard on Migrant Labor From COVID-19 Lockdown: Richard on Migrant Labor full b04ec7ce-9210-4a5d-8452-8106d9efe99a https://share.transistor.fm/s/06e39f01 Hear Richard's earlier episode in the "calls from lockdown" series, plus his original episode recorded in 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Richard's earlier episode in the "calls from lockdown" series, plus his original episode recorded in 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 22 May 2020 00:30:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1431 Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria), once again from his home in Livorno, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk about his experience working as an independent street vendor. Richard faces the hard reality of impending homelessness if he can't come up with his rent money, and with social distancing still in place, people are apt to approach him less than they already do outside the market where he works. Lockdowns start to lift and we continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria), once again from his home in Livorno, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk abo migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Yanks on Migrant Labor From COVID-19 Lockdown: Yanks on Migrant Labor full 4af94803-b0bc-457b-a08f-22fa7b009a9d https://share.transistor.fm/s/126ed836 Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1089 Lockdowns start to lift! We continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Yanks (Gambia) for a status check from his home outside Naples, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we talk about his experience working in agriculture where he has earned as little as 25 Euros for a grueling days' work, and without a contract. Hear all of the details. Lockdowns start to lift! We continue to make calls to our friends in the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Yanks (Gambia) for a status check from his home outside Naples, Italy. With migrant labor in the news, we tal migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Buba, Part 2 From COVID-19 Lockdown: Buba, Part 2 full b998c145-6146-4b1d-bfd4-ee4facfe1e2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4b46e48 Hear Part 1 of Buba's conversation with Open Encounters.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Part 1 of Buba's conversation with Open Encounters.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 734 "We have to be generous to one another. We have to give one another love," said Buba (Gambia) in Bergamo, Italy, one of the areas hardest hit by the coronavirus. This is Part 2 of our talk. He speaks about the effects of COVID on migration, about creating opportunities, and using the health crisis to bring us all together. "We have to be generous to one another. We have to give one another love," said Buba (Gambia) in Bergamo, Italy, one of the areas hardest hit by the coronavirus. This is Part 2 of our talk. He speaks about the effects of COVID on migration, about creating migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Buba, Part 1 From COVID-19 Lockdown: Buba, Part 1 full 3e078a10-34dc-4e5f-83c1-ebc5a9145611 https://share.transistor.fm/s/51a2d435 Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 958 Lockdowns start to lift: we're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Buba (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Bergamo, Italy, one of the areas hardest hit by the virus. And hear some good news too––about his admiration for the Bergamo people, about his respect for migrants everywhere, plus, some big news on his asylum case. We continue our discussion with Buba tomorrow, in Part 2. Lockdowns start to lift: we're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Buba (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Ebrima From COVID-19 Lockdown: Ebrima full 746f867b-5c38-4637-aa50-0b3c6b4349c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b52d1982 Hear Ebrima's original episode recorded in 2019 on Open Encounters.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Ebrima's original episode recorded in 2019 on Open Encounters.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 658 Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ebrima (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Agrigento (Sicily), Italy. He shares his grief and sadness about the crisis, and urges us to keep wearing those masks and gloves. Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering in "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ebrima (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing aft migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No SPECIAL EPISODE: Andrew's Update SPECIAL EPISODE: Andrew's Update full ac01f10c-09ec-4ae2-b867-2d41a609242a https://share.transistor.fm/s/85fb09dd Hear Andrew's "From COVID-19 Lockdown" episode from 6 May 2020.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Andrew's "From COVID-19 Lockdown" episode from 6 May 2020.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 11 May 2020 23:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 664 Andrew gets his documents! After three and a half years of hearings and appeals after crossing the Mediterranean to Italy, Andrew (Nigeria) gets a call from his lawyer that he is free to work and live in the country. "My heart's full of joy, my heart's filled with singing," he said, proving that even in the times of Covid-19, we can find happiness and hope for the future. Enjoy this very special episode, and to Andrew, we send our biggest congrats and all our love. We are proud of you, Andrew. Andrew gets his documents! After three and a half years of hearings and appeals after crossing the Mediterranean to Italy, Andrew (Nigeria) gets a call from his lawyer that he is free to work and live in the country. "My heart's full of joy, my heart's fi migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Mustapha From COVID-19 Lockdown: Mustapha full 77510ef9-15bc-4559-9152-de06e63cfbf6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/770d1e84 Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 263 Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Mustapha (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Latina, Italy, about his drive to begin work, "any work," he urgently says, and how he stays away from too much news to keep stress levels down. Lockdowns start to lift! We're ushering "Fase Due," Phase Two of COVID-19 lockdown, and continue to connect with the migrant community in Italy, and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Mustapha (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing afte migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Foday From COVID-19 Lockdown: Foday full 87101153-77ea-4eca-8e2d-b5f6269f3697 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9eda1fe3 Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 597 During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Foday (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Latina, Italy, and about his first day out on May 4th, Italy's start of "fase due" (phase two) and the end of fase uno (phase one) lockdown across the country. During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Foday (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Latina, Italy, and about h migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Ousmane From COVID-19 Lockdown: Ousmane full fce70d96-aeaa-4c76-8838-181bdce05fbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f8607a5 Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 631 During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ousmane (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Bayern (Bavaria state), Germany, about wearing masks at the club, and his words of precaution to keep distance and keep wearing our masks as lockdowns starts to lift. During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Ousmane (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Bayern (Bavaria state), migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Andrew From COVID-19 Lockdown: Andrew full df18fa90-4950-417f-80fd-262e40ca9527 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c42c1079 Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 689 During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Andrew (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Limatola, Italy, and his hope that the Italian government and people can begin to view the frequently-isolated migrant population with greater sympathy as lockdown begins to lift. During the worldwide lockdown of COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Andrew (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Limatola, Italy, and his migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Richard From COVID-19 Lockdown: Richard full 64739acf-1f25-414f-8aeb-2c1fcfa50ca9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b20b93e6 Hear Richard's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Richard's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 689 During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Livorno, Italy, about his concern for our friend Philip (Nigeria) who is now homeless, and for his daughter and family in Nigeria. During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and in Germany. In this episode, we speak to Richard (Nigeria) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Livorno, Italy, abo migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Babou From COVID-19 Lockdown: Babou full 695b14c8-f8e2-4487-a839-fe3fda201039 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cb491c8c Hear Babou's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Hear Babou's original episode on the Open Encounters podcast from 2019.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 722 During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and Germany. In this episode, we speak to Babou (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Padova, Italy, about his recent return to work as a cook at a local restaurant and pizzeria, and the new perspective he has gained on the prison population after being confined for so long in one place. During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy and Germany. In this episode, we speak to Babou (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after two months in quarantine in Padova, Italy, about his migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Moussa From COVID-19 Lockdown: Moussa full 768d2259-09aa-496a-9b54-42659f583aad https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1a49ff5 Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 420 During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Moussa (Senegal) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in Günzburg, Germany, and about his Ramadan during lockdown, and finally his positive words that no matter black or white we are all the same. During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Moussa (Senegal) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in Günzburg, Germany migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Landing From COVID-19 Lockdown: Landing full ba6b27a8-48a8-4dcc-b6b4-0a9da92c4e9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0f75bce Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 554 During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Landing (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in a city outside Stuttgart, Germany, and stay posted on the MotM Facebook page where we'll share his next live music performance. During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Germany and Italy. In this episode, we speak to Landing (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after about two months in quarantine in a city outside St migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No From COVID-19 Lockdown: Bakary From COVID-19 Lockdown: Bakary full 315d4ee2-5563-40b5-89e4-2e8b4058ea9c https://share.transistor.fm/s/1389f659 Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 647 During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy. In this episode, we speak to Bakary (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after six weeks in quarantine in Naples, Italy, and his wish to turn the mic on me when we can finally meet in person again. During the worldwide lockdown during COVID-19 MotM connects with the migrant community in Italy. In this episode, we speak to Bakary (Gambia) for a status check. Hear how he's managing after six weeks in quarantine in Naples, Italy, and his wish to turn t migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Richard Richard full 6a93ebbe-988a-442c-bc16-ebff256046bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/61950c5a Read Richard’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. His followup story and photo essay is forthcoming.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Richard’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. His followup story and photo essay is forthcoming.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 24 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1958 I got to see Italy through Africa when Richard (Nigeria) and I reunited in Pisa, Italy after more than two years since our initial meeting on Lampedusa island in April 2017. He whisked me through the crowds and we posed for a shot where we held up the famous leaning tower––an amazing and very fun day. In this conversation, he talks about testifying against his traffickers in Sicily, the asylum process, racism, and the meaning of the word “lapalapa,” the Nigerian slang term for the rubber boat that crosses the Mediterranean Sea. He now lives in Pisa, Italy with one-year papers awaiting work and the next steps for his documentation. Recorded in Pisa, October 2019. I got to see Italy through Africa when Richard (Nigeria) and I reunited in Pisa, Italy after more than two years since our initial meeting on Lampedusa island in April 2017. He whisked me through the crowds and we posed for a shot where we held up the fam migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Babou Babou full ed9becfd-a99c-4d28-a8b1-7a6bf93313f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a95faa5 Read Babou’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. His followup story and photo essay is forthcoming.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Babou’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. His followup story and photo essay is forthcoming.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 2789 “I did it…I did it. And after I run, I regret it.” Baboucarr (Gambia) killed a man before fleeing home, crossing Libya and the sea, and finally landing in Lampedusa, where I met him in April 2017. He is among a very rare few who have shared the reason why he left his country. In doing this he says “the truth will set me free.” It is an act that has demanded my acceptance and compassion at new levels, and one that defines the driving force behind the work of Migrants of the Mediterranean. Hear what Babou has to say; his story is more nuanced than it appears. Try to listen first without judgement. See what happens. Babou now lives, works, and awaits his final asylum hearing in a small city near Padova, in the north of Italy. Recorded in Padova, September 2019. “I did it…I did it. And after I run, I regret it.” Baboucarr (Gambia) killed a man before fleeing home, crossing Libya and the sea, and finally landing in Lampedusa, where I met him in April 2017. He is among a very rare few who have shared the reason why migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Peter, Part II Peter, Part II full f6ee7beb-b707-4d9b-b21e-65c7e77b22d2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3821d74d Gran Ghetto, the worst of the migrant ghettos in the agricultural south, is now where Peter lives after going homeless days after recording Part I of our conversation. "This is against humanity," he said about staying in its squalid conditions. Read MotM's full story and see our video coverage, ground rarely seen by outsiders, on the site. Recorded 8 October 2019, in Foggia, Italy.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Gran Ghetto, the worst of the migrant ghettos in the agricultural south, is now where Peter lives after going homeless days after recording Part I of our conversation. "This is against humanity," he said about staying in its squalid conditions. Read MotM's full story and see our video coverage, ground rarely seen by outsiders, on the site. Recorded 8 October 2019, in Foggia, Italy.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1205 We speak just outside the grounds of Gran Ghetto, where Peter now stays after going homeless in September 2019. Hear his testimony from inside the most notorious and squalid location in Italy. We speak just outside the grounds of Gran Ghetto, where Peter now stays after going homeless in September 2019. Hear his testimony from inside the most notorious and squalid location in Italy. migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Peter, Part I Peter, Part I full 5d182a6f-226f-4921-a074-5732db89fd38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7d80139 I met "Peter" (name changed) in his home city, Isernia, a place in the Molise region east and south of Rome in May 2019. He sat alone in the piazza taking a break from a day that was otherwise uneventful. That moment, part of a regular circuit of places to visit across his day was his way of creating structure and purpose where there was none. We met again in September 2019, when this episode was recorded, just days before he would be asked to leave his state housing on account of the negative verdict of his asylum hearing. He now resides in a notorious ghetto in Foggia, his homelessness, a direct result of his denied asylum case. Part II of our conversation will be recorded there and released soon.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> I met "Peter" (name changed) in his home city, Isernia, a place in the Molise region east and south of Rome in May 2019. He sat alone in the piazza taking a break from a day that was otherwise uneventful. That moment, part of a regular circuit of places to visit across his day was his way of creating structure and purpose where there was none. We met again in September 2019, when this episode was recorded, just days before he would be asked to leave his state housing on account of the negative verdict of his asylum hearing. He now resides in a notorious ghetto in Foggia, his homelessness, a direct result of his denied asylum case. Part II of our conversation will be recorded there and released soon.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1044 Mere days before he is removed from his housing due to a negative verdict on his asylum hearing, we speak to "Peter" (Sierra Leone) about his impending homelessness and more. This is Part I of a two-part conversation. Mere days before he is removed from his housing due to a negative verdict on his asylum hearing, we speak to "Peter" (Sierra Leone) about his impending homelessness and more. This is Part I of a two-part conversation. migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Pazi Pazi full 86300a25-ff89-4909-8838-0fe0564148d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f48accbd Read Pazi’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. Plus, his follow-up story from November 2017 and our documentation of his asylum hearing in Rome, April 2018.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Pazi’s original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in italiano. Plus, his follow-up story from November 2017 and our documentation of his asylum hearing in Rome, April 2018.

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 1258 “Without people….I cannot go forward, I cannot stand alone.” Pazi (Gambia) has found his pace living in Rome now after almost three years since his rescue and reception on Lampedusa. In this conversation, he speaks with perspective about what he needs to live the life he wants. He pursues it in spite of racial discrimination and false perceptions perpetuated by media, and with the goal of not going it alone. Recorded in May 2019. “Without people….I cannot go forward, I cannot stand alone.” Pazi (Gambia) has found his pace living in Rome now after almost three years since his rescue and reception on Lampedusa. In this conversation, he speaks with perspective about what he needs to migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No SPECIAL EPISODE: Sami SPECIAL EPISODE: Sami full 3ba2fbe2-6f0a-4afa-80b9-fb4e69b6d783 https://share.transistor.fm/s/87201c2e Thu, 15 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 861 Sami (24, Eritrea) pleads to be heard from the Khoms, Libya migrant detention center today, 15 August 2019, after finding the dead from a July shipwreck. Bodies are washing ashore and his life is in danger. "Don't forget about me, or us," he said. Sami (24, Eritrea) pleads to be heard from the Khoms, Libya migrant detention center today, 15 August 2019, after finding the dead from a July shipwreck. Bodies are washing ashore and his life is in danger. "Don't forget about me, or us," he said. migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Moses Moses full f165f802-d24e-40ac-a63c-7c9ef93d215d https://share.transistor.fm/s/4144e531 Read Moses's original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in Italiano!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Read Moses's original journey story on the site––anche disponibile in Italiano!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 3100 In the small town of Isernia, Italy Moses and I close the gap on two years, the time we last saw each other on Lampedusa island just three days after his rescue at sea. We speak about work, racism, his crowded living conditions and his hopes for the future. Recorded in April 2019. In the small town of Isernia, Italy Moses and I close the gap on two years, the time we last saw each other on Lampedusa island just three days after his rescue at sea. We speak about work, racism, his crowded living conditions and his hopes for the futur migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Ebrima Ebrima full 8d7ed0bf-d79b-4083-9653-0edd78504266 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f7e0a8f Ebrima was 14-years-old when he fled The Gambia for Europe. He was kidnapped twice in Algeria before he was sixteen, and was tortured and starved in Libya before he successfully made the Mediterranean crossing for Italy. He landed in Lampedusa where I met him in the days after his rescue, but was transferred from the island hotspot before our scheduled interview the next day. Two years later, I met him in Agrigento, Sicily, where he emerged onto the piazza bearing no resemblance to the 16-year-old I met on the island, then so tired and traumatized. Here, he speaks about housing and food quality, integration and racism, and cracks up at the idea of a border wall. Recorded in Agrigento, Sicily in February 2019.

Plus, read Ebrima's original journey story + see photos of our first meeting in Lampedusa, live on the site with more to come!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Ebrima was 14-years-old when he fled The Gambia for Europe. He was kidnapped twice in Algeria before he was sixteen, and was tortured and starved in Libya before he successfully made the Mediterranean crossing for Italy. He landed in Lampedusa where I met him in the days after his rescue, but was transferred from the island hotspot before our scheduled interview the next day. Two years later, I met him in Agrigento, Sicily, where he emerged onto the piazza bearing no resemblance to the 16-year-old I met on the island, then so tired and traumatized. Here, he speaks about housing and food quality, integration and racism, and cracks up at the idea of a border wall. Recorded in Agrigento, Sicily in February 2019.

Plus, read Ebrima's original journey story + see photos of our first meeting in Lampedusa, live on the site with more to come!

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 3061 A fleeting encounter on Lampedusa led to a two-year wait that led, finally, to our reunion in the Sicilian seaside city, Agrigento. Ebrima talks housing + food quality, integration, "walls" + more. Recorded in Agrigento, Sicily. A fleeting encounter on Lampedusa led to a two-year wait that led, finally, to our reunion in the Sicilian seaside city, Agrigento. Ebrima talks housing + food quality, integration, "walls" + more. Recorded in Agrigento, Sicily. migration, mediterranean, migrant crisis, Europe, integration, Africa, humanitarian, human rights, Libya, Italy No Amadou Amadou full 222b3402-d2fa-42f3-976f-d047fe1b6de0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d4bf8f18 Amadou arrived in Lampedusa in Nov 2016 after rescue on the Mediterranean. A year-and-a-half later we reunited in his transfer city in the south of Italy to continue his story. We discuss what it’s like to be rescued on the sea, his missing family members who he fears drowned in Dec 2017 and his prospects for work in Italy.

Plus, read his story on the site for accompanying words and photos:
www.migrantsofthemed.com/motm-reunion-meet-amadou-two-years-later

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Amadou arrived in Lampedusa in Nov 2016 after rescue on the Mediterranean. A year-and-a-half later we reunited in his transfer city in the south of Italy to continue his story. We discuss what it’s like to be rescued on the sea, his missing family members who he fears drowned in Dec 2017 and his prospects for work in Italy.

Plus, read his story on the site for accompanying words and photos:
www.migrantsofthemed.com/motm-reunion-meet-amadou-two-years-later

★ Support this podcast ★ ]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 Pamela Kerpius Pamela Kerpius 2260 We meet a year-and-a-half after his Mediterranean rescue and reception on Lampedusa island. We meet a year-and-a-half after his Mediterranean rescue and reception on Lampedusa island. immigration, migrants, migration, Mediterranean, Lampedusa, West Africa, Guinea, missing persons, work, employment, Italy, sea rescue No