Ibrahima Kalil Barry
Ibrahima Kalil Barry was born in 1997 in the Guinean capital, Conakry. In his Muslim family, education is highly valued: When he wanted something as a child, Ibrahima Barry recounts today, he had to read books. 1 bicycle = 10 books. There are frequent strong protests against the conditions of economic and social inequality and disadvantage, in which young Ibrahima also participates. In February 2014, the situation becomes so perilous for him that he decides to flee. The thought of leaving behind family and friends weighs heavily on him throughout much of his long journey to Europe. Against this backdrop, Germany seemed to him the appropriate country; he believes that it embodies the principle of a new beginning like no other. Thus, almost a year after his escape from Guinea, Ibrahima steps off a bus at Bremen’s main train station in January 2015. “I knew Bremen a little from my father. My father was a Werder fan; he had posters of Werder at home.” However, his first impression of the city in January is disheartening: “The worst part was the cold. I thought I had landed in a refrigerator.” He immediately makes his way to the initial reception facility for unaccompanied minor refugees in Habenhausen. After a short stay, he is assigned to Bremerhaven. He has never heard of the city before. His first impression upon arrival: “Colder than Bremen.” Because he cannot go to school right away due to school holidays, Ibrahima begins an evening German course at the adult education center in Bremerhaven. Soon, he also attends an integration school from morning to noon. Afterwards, many opportunities open up for him. Because he prefers to work with people rather than machines, he opts for an apprenticeship as a caregiver at AMEOS Klinikum, which he begins in August 2016 and completes in 2019. Although he may have initially come to Bremerhaven unwillingly, the city becomes a second home to him during this time. “When I hear someone say something about Bremerhaven, I always hope it’s something nice,” he laughs today. Ibrahima currently works as a health and nursing caregiver at DIAKO Hospital in Bremen. A portrait of Ibrahima Kalil Barry is one of the faces that has been visible on the facade of the new German Emigration Center since June 2021.
