Yemane Kassa - Changing Lenses

Yemane Kassa - Changing Lenses

Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre supports people to integrate, they provide training and opportunities for volunteering. They helped me to get training and to get a job and generally they supported me towards my integration. 

The beauty of Hammersmith bridge – this is where I walk to relax and appreciate the nature. When you live in a certain area you start to like the surroundings and it becomes a meaningful place to you. It relates to your integration when you have an emotional link to the place you live.

Even though people are far from their country of origin they want to express their heritage, customs and culture. This is a traditional Eritrean wedding and this basket (the moseb) is what we eat from together – it symbolises sitting together to eat as a family and it symbolises unity also.

This diversity of the fruit from all over the world is like the diversity in London. You live in one city in harmony with people from all over the world. Diversity means resourcefulness in life.

Rush hour in London shows you the different people living here together – White, Black, students, workers. There is beauty in this diversity. It is one of the things I appreciate about living here.

One of the musical instruments from my home country. This is a miniature drum. It reminds me of hearing the music and thinking of home.

These photos and accompanying writing were made as part of the Changing Lenses; London stories of Integration project. You can listen to my podcast for the project here:https://soundcloud.com/migrant-voice/yemane