My name is Yassine and this is my dream
By Yassine E.
31 years old · Sidi Slimane, Morocco
A story shared in Voices of the World
At Ubuntu Canarias we believe every person has a story that deserves to be heard.
With Voices of the World we want to open a space where people can share their experiences, cultures and dreams in their own words, helping to build a more open, diverse and intercultural society.
The stories we publish do not claim to represent every migrant's experience. Each one reflects a personal reality, with its own circumstances, challenges and hopes. It is precisely that diversity of voices that enriches this project.
Today we share the testimony of Yassine E., 31, a young Moroccan man from the province of Sidi Slimane, who tells us about his wish to work, help his parents and build a better future without putting his life at risk.
My name is Yassine and this is my dream
I am Yassine E., I am 31 years old and I live in the province of Sidi Slimane, in Morocco.
Like many young people in my country, I dream of having the chance to work, to live with dignity and to build a better future.
My economic situation is difficult and my parents are already elderly. They need medicine and support to cover their daily expenses. My greatest wish is to be able to help them and give them a calmer life.
I have tried to get ahead in Morocco, but saving enough to start a small business is very hard. Despite the effort and the work, the income is often barely enough to cover basic needs.
Something that weighs heavily on the dreams of many young Moroccans is seeing friends, relatives or acquaintances manage to change their lives by emigrating. Those stories make us think that perhaps we, too, could have a chance.
One of those examples for me is my friend Youssef.
Youssef grew up in a small town in Morocco. For years he looked for work without success, while watching his parents grow older and the cost of living and medicine rise. His dream was simple: to work with dignity, help his family and build a better future.
Desperate for lack of opportunities, he reached Spain by crossing from Fnideq to Ceuta. It was a very risky decision that put his life in danger, and one he himself would not recommend to anyone today. On arrival he received help from associations that offered him clothes, food and a place to sleep. Later he was able to move on, found a job and, over the years, regularised his status.
Through great effort he managed to rent a home and send money to his parents every month so they could buy their medicine and live more peacefully. He even managed to build them a house.
But Youssef never forgets those who were not as fortunate. Some are still waiting for a chance, and others lost their lives trying to reach Europe by dangerous routes.
That is why he always tells me: "Dreams are beautiful, but we must pursue them through safe and legal means, because life is worth far more than any dream."
His story inspires me, not because he crossed the sea, but because today he can live from his work and help his family. It also reminds me of the price and the risks that many people pay when they find no alternatives.
My dream is not to repeat that path. If one day I have the chance to go to Spain, I want to do it legally, respecting the laws, working hard and integrating into society. I want to show that I can contribute through my work and build my future in a safe and responsible way.
I am not asking for pity. I only hope that one day I will be given the chance to work, live with dignity and care for my parents, just as anyone would wish to do for their family.
Thank you for reading my story.
A perspective to keep building bridges
At Ubuntu Canarias we believe that listening to stories like Yassine's helps us understand that behind every migration process there are people with responsibilities, abilities, hopes and life projects.
His testimony reflects a concrete reality and a personal decision: to pursue his goals through safe and legal means, convinced that no dream justifies putting one's own life at risk.
Listening to these voices invites us to look at migration from a more human perspective, based on respect, mutual understanding and intercultural coexistence.
Editorial note. This testimony has been published with its author's authorisation. To protect his privacy, some identifying details have been partially anonymised. The content reflects exclusively the personal experience and opinions of the person who signs it.
Your story deserves to be heard too.
Every experience brings a unique view of the world. In Voices of the World we want to keep building a space where people can share their stories, cultures and lessons to bring us closer together.