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| Artwork-Almon Adeluwoye |
This morning, something unusual happened. Yero called me at the start of the day instead of in the evening, when he normally gives updates, keeps up connections with the outside world, and practices his English. His voice was almost giddy. After a very enthusiastic “hello,” he said, “Just listen to this…” and began reading aloud in English, with pride, from what turned out to be Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot. As a reminder, Yero is primarily a French/Fulani/Arabic speaker. I usually communicate with him in my very basic, halting, almost cringe-worthy French.
It turns out this was one of two books he checked out from the detention library. He read a couple of pages and did remarkably well. Our little team is sending him a French/English dictionary today so he can keep going.
For someone who once worked 12+ hour days at two jobs, carving out time for English study, let alone leisure reading, was nearly impossible. Like many asylum seekers, his schedule left no room for rest, let alone reading. I had often urged him to take an English Language class at the library, but survival always came first. Now, ironically, detention has given him a window of time and a reminder that reading and leisure are not luxuries, but essential ways to nurture the self and imagine a future.
Yero himself said he can better appreciate how reading isn’t just for school students. As an adult, he sees its value and now he wants to visit Maine, inspired by Stephen King’s stories and learn more about American history.
Your support makes these small victories possible, from books in hand to hope in voice. Thank you for helping Yero hold on to dignity and discovery in the hardest of places. Do support his GoFundMe campaign for his legal defense. Here is the link: https://gofund.me/ea76afe0 and/or share the campaign with friends.
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