“She’s still young, but she already has big dreams.“
SHE FEELS AT HOME HERE
Immigrants—that’s what they’re still called, even though Manjara, the youngest daughter of the Ndyaye family, was born in Italy, as were her older siblings.
Her parents emigrated from Senegal over twenty years ago. While they’ve preserved their traditions, they’ve also integrated well into a country accustomed to the coexistence of diverse cultures and ethnicities.
Manjara attends school regularly, has learned to read and write, and has never experienced discrimination. She’s still young, but she already has big dreams.
Through Manjara’s perspective, we glimpse stories woven together with her own: her mother, who spends her days working tirelessly to care for the family, and her brothers, Saillou and Fallou, both born with a severe form of muscular dystrophy. In Italy, they’ve had access to free healthcare, a crucial factor in their well-being.
Manjara loves to read, and with the tablet her older brother Abdul gave her, she enjoys creating outfits on Snapchat, imagining herself as a great fashion designer.
She hasn’t thought about love yet. All she knows is that she feels at home here, and this is where she wants to stay to build her future.
This project began from a desire to take a closer look at the lives and routines of this family, who have lived in Fontaneto d’Agogna—the same town where I live—for many years.
With thanks to the talented Elisa Cherchi.
To follow Elisa on social media please click here.