The Promised Route

The Promised Route is an itinerant exhibition organized by CEPAIM.

It is divided in 5 areas:

Area 1: SNIPPETS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT

You are in the area representing the past and the present, with snippets from history, current affairs, memory and media information that show the circumstances of Africa and the reasons why it is weakened and immersed in a situation that seems to have no solution. The past and the present intersect here, blending to reveal an unforgettable history and a current situation that cannot be ignored. What would you do if you found yourself in this situation? Would you emigrate?

Area 2: PUTTING FACES TO THE FIGURES

In this part of the exhibition you will see people who were forced to migrate to leave behind a situation of poverty in their home countries, and will hear tales of people who have made the journey along the coast in barely seaworthy boats from which many lives were lost. You will see people who are all too frequently treated as mere statistics and faceless numbers in poorly documented, sensationalist news stories. Here, those statistics and the numbers are given the faces and voices of those who have lived through that journey along the coast, people who live in and form part of society, whose future is uncertain but who are eager to make their dreams come true. Did these people actually have the choice of staying in dignity in their own countries or emigrating through regular channels?

What are their chances now in Spain? What opportunities do they now have to fulfil themselves, to find work and become integrated into society?

Area 3: WISHES CLOSE TO YOU

This area brings to light wishes that seek to be shared. Here, at this point for reflection, the exhibition invites you to share your wish. It is important that you pay attention to the pictures and accounts that you see, so that you can make your wish and leave it on the ‘wish panel’ in the form of words or a picture that can travel on ‘The Promised Route’. Post your wish in a phrase, word or picture on the wish panel so that it can travel on ‘The Promised Route’. Express your wish.

Area 4: THE NEW ROUTES OF AFRICA

Here you find yourself in an new, active Africa promoted by African women who reflect on the current circumstances of some West African countries with irregular migration along their coasts. This translates into a loss of young human capital, expertise, possibilities and potential for development in these countries. This part of the exhibition looks at the consequences of migration, particularly irregular migration, for individuals, for families and for the development of Africa. It stresses how difficult it is for these people to become integrated. The exhibition advocates regularised migration routes, joint development, cooperation, circular migration and investment in production structures and training. The other present and future of Africa.

Area 5: QUESTIONS THAT LEAD US ON

In this area, there are faces that pose open questions for you to think about. You are invited to stop ignoring the true causes of irregular migration and the circumstances in which these people find themselves.

You are also invited to discover the value of migration and the full potential of Africa, to set off on an adventure of learning about and communicating with persons different from ourselves; to seek out answers and new solutions together. The exhibition asks you to form your own conclusions and ask your own questions so as to continue advancing and inviting reflection.