Lost in Europe

"Young boys leave Kosovo on purpose before they turn 18 so that they can obtain documents allowing them to stay in Italy," explains Liridon (19), who uses a nickname because he wants to remain anonymous. "Many of the adolescents come from Malisheva", says Liridon (19), who uses a nickname because he wants to remain anonymous. He made the journey to Italy alone. The boys often travel in small groups with one adult. Each time, they travel with six to eight people to the north, towards Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. They change cars in every country. The trafficker changes too. Often, it is from a Serbian in Serbia to a Bosnian in Bosnia, and so on. They cross the border on foot. During the journey, the boys are kept quiet through fear. "If you don't walk, I'll leave you behind. You will get lost." Or, "Don't talk to each other; it will put you in danger".

The journey cost between €3,500 and €4,500. All the boys have similar stories. Liridon comes from a small village. He is intelligent and has finished high school. He and his family worked in the countryside. "My brothers studied at university. That is expensive. But it's the only way to get a job in Kosovo." Liridon wanted to study too, but it was too expensive for his family, so he decided to go to Italy to work and help support them. 'My father and I worked for two years to pay for the journey. In the end, we sold our tractor and a cow.'

Photocredit: Cecilia Ferrara, Lost in Europe