Anfel, Algeria

“What touched me most was the sense of community that was created almost instantly. Waking up every morning to the same faces, listening to each other's stories, sharing meals, laughter, and sometimes silences, it all felt like living a fever dream. I will never forget the courage and vulnerability of those who opened up about their lives.

Even the smallest gestures, a smile over breakfast, the sound of the waves during late-night conversations, or singing together on deck are moments I didn't know I needed.

Of course, there were also challenges. Living together so closely is not always easy, and I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the intensity of emotions and stories. Some moments of pause and reflection were needed to help me process everything more smoothly. Yet even these difficulties were part of the learning, and they taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of making room for everyone.

What gives me hope today is knowing that we, the youth of the Mediterranean, are not powerless. Together, through projects like MED25 Bel Espoir, we can turn fear into dialogue, walls into bridges, and wounds into action.

For me, Bel Espoir was not only the name of a boat, but also somehow a prophecy fulfilled: a place where hope became real. »

Anfel