We were lucky to be able to interview two Eritran immigrants, Liya and Awet.
Why did you escape from Eritrea?
-I escaped from Eritrea because the people don't have freedom. The country is ruled by a paranoid dictator and the people is military.
Why did you come to Norway?
-I heard it was the best. It is a democracy and I heard it is good for immigrants.
Do you have any friends or family in Eritrea? Do you miss them?
-Yes I have a friend in Eritrea, and I really miss her. Liya says.
-Yes I have family in Eritrea. I often think of how they are doing because of the missing democracy and the dictator, and I miss them very much, Awet says.
Do you think you want to return to your home country?
-Yes, if Eritrea becomes a democracy we would return.
What is your dream for the future?
-My dream for the future is to get an education and become a nurse, Liya says.
And my dream is also to study, and get a good job, Awet adds.
What do you think about Norwegians?
-I think they are nice and kind, but a little shy.
Is it something you can do in Eritrea that you can't do in Norway? Hobbies?
-No, everything is here.
Can you tell us something about your own country?
-Eritrea has 6 million residents, same as Norway. It is a rich country with much gold and minerals but most of the people are soldiers. They got their independence in 1991 but it is now run by a dictator. The president controls all the gold and minerals, and he forces the men to work as soldiers.
Do you have any hobbies?
Liya: -I like to work out.
Awet: -I play football and I have tried skis, but I found that to be really hard.
How did you come to Norway?
-We came by a boat. We started in Eritrea, had a stopover in Italy a and ended up in Norway. We sailed through Europe.
Harald, Sol og Ices
