I am human

“In my culture we work at 14. It’s normal to us. So working hard and being strong is what I am used to. But here, not only can I not work, not only do I have to shower outside under a tap when I’m lucky. Here it is as though I am not human.

Now I know I am human, but this situation makes me feel as though I am not. Not being able to sleep properly, being moved from place to place. We are isolated here. Unable to hold on to items that keep us warm, unable to find shelter, security. This morning we were woken up; items gone, hope fleeting. The nights are colder and the situation is worse.

I know I am human and I thought I was strong, but now I am not so sure after being here.”

These are the words of a Kurdish refugee currently living, like so many others, in the patchy scrub-land that we visit near to Dunkirk. Although his situation is bleak, he still makes time, every week, to talk to us and even say thank you for the basic aid that we deliver.

It is people like this that inspire us every day to go out, no matter the weather, no matter how low on donations we are, no matter how tired or late or fed up we feel. Because no one should be living like this, and as long as they are here, we will be here to help.

To volunteer or donate go to www.care4calais.org