“Africa, an experience like no other.” Word of a true Conflentese Serena Villalla, 26 years old, collaborator of ItConflenti, among the 21 volunteers who left for the Tanzania (Africa). The trip, organized by the association 'The Land of Piero', It lasted two weeks. I asked Serena a few questions about this fantastic experience. Hers is the story of a reality, light years away from us. A testimony that wants to "shake consciences” of those who still look at this world with eyes of contempt.
Africa, a lifelong dream
Why did you decide to leave?
Going to Africa has always been a dream of mine.. And after working for a few years in a reception center, the desire and need to experience firsthand the land I'd heard so much about became more alive. As soon as I learned about La Terra di Piero and its projects, I approached the group and jumped at the chance.
Black Africa is still scary
Did anyone try to talk you out of it?
Black Africa is scary so everyone was scared, especially my parents. Some have tried to dissuade me from the idea, but I'm quite stubborn. Others, my sister first and foremost, supported and encouraged me from the very beginning. I appreciated the support of friends and family who were proud of me. Although I don't think I've done anything extraordinary, I'm not even deserving of this interview. I agreed to do it because I was taught that lead witness It's a good way to shake consciences. And we Westerners need it very much.
Africa: you have to go there to understand
Is there anything in particular that struck you?
We all have a good or bad idea of what Africa is. But seeing it with your own eyes is another story.Many things have left their mark on me. The absolute poverty of the people living in mud and brick huts, without electricity or water. I children poured out onto the streets for days without shoes and with wrinkled clothes, most of whom are denied access to education for economic reasons. The dozens and dozens of children who fill the numerous orphanages, including disabled ones and many, many AIDS patients. But what kept me awake at night was the inhumane and alienating conditions in which 32 leprosy patients live. They await death in dilapidated shacks inhabited by bedbugs and cockroaches.All this essentially provokes anger towards our society, which is never satisfied, which wages war to have more and more money, when on the other side of the world there are those who survive on nothing.
Can you tell us about the association “La Terra di Piero”?
Piero's Land is a unique and rare reality. An association that doesn't delegate but works directly in the area.The president, Sergio Crocco, is the very essence of humanity. It's a source of pride to know that in Calabria there are people like him and all the volunteers of the association, with big and generous hearts. People who care and try with their own hands to improve the conditions of their brothers who live 9000 km away. This was the fifth stage of the Pamoja project in Tanzania, where many projects have been completed. A school, several playgrounds; supplies of medicines, clothing, and food are guaranteed in orphanages and hospitals. The association has also completed several projects in Madagascar and Central Africa, and has others planned for Namibia. It also operates in Cosenza, where it has created a playground accessible to children with disabilities. And work will soon begin on the construction of three parks grandparentsEveryone can contribute, either manually or financially, even by donating 5×1000.
What did you do during your stay?
The mission, accomplished with flying colors, this year included the restoration of the playground equipment in the Piero Romeo II inclusive park. Cleanup at the leprosarium: we disinfected, painted, and replaced mattresses in the 'homes' of some leprosy patients.The water connection has been completed at the Isakalilo school. The school was established by the association in 2017, in collaboration with a local association, where we also finished and decorated a classroom. And, again, the purchase of cisterns and the construction of the aqueduct at Mr. Simba's orphanage, to bring water to a greenhouse and the vegetable garden that provide the food needs of the over 60 orphans housed at the center.
Is there a child in particular you want to tell us about?
Before leaving, we were advised to keep a certain distance from the children, but it's impossible. As soon as I met the sparkling gaze of little Netu and his twin Viky, I fell in love. But the sweetness of the eyes and the purity of the smiles of all the children of Tanzania is disarming.
What do you take away from this experience?
It was an experience like no other. Intense, powerful, and in some ways traumatic.. I carry within me many questions that are difficult to answer. The colors, smells, and flavors of a land that is poor but that enriches you deeply. Which teaches you to put everything into perspective and focus on the true values of life. I carry within me the eyes of all the children I have met. And finally, I carry with me a great lesson: to face everything with the smileAlways! Because if an orphaned child affected by HIV, or an elderly person suffering from leprosy, has a smile plastered on their face, we too must learn to face the small, and sometimes insignificant, daily challenges with the same attitude.
Will you repeat it?
Of course. As soon as the opportunity arises.
Nothing more to add. There will always be those who think that the less fortunate and needy come to our country to steal jobs from Italians. But there will also be those who will relentlessly try to make the world a better place. If this someone is part of your circle of friends and you can benefit from the constant learning of what it means to lend a hand to others, you can consider yourself lucky. And I, modestly, am. Thank you, _serenita_sd!
