The cultural shocks sweep even adult Gambians off their feet upon arrival in Europe, and Ousman Jarju, who’s only 7 years old, is not having an easy battle.

Although he arrived in Germany a few weeks ago, he has already started missing home. 

In a video sent to What’s On-Gambia, the boy said starting a new life in Europe was not as easy as he thought. He moved to Germany to join his mum, who has been living there for a while now.

Ousman is a former pupil of Ndow’s School. He was attending Grade 1 when he left the country.

In his video, he advised his peers to never dream of taking the back way to Europe, for Europe isn’t worth risking a life.

“Do you know what happens in Germany? [It] Is not that you just sit down and see money dropping. Yes, there are skyscrapers decorated with beautiful lights, but if you don’t want to end your life, don’t take the back way. Come straight with a flight,” said Ousman.

According to him, life in Germany is very boring compared to The Gambia. He spends most of his time indoors with his family.

“There is no loitering here. There is no hunting masquerade here. There is nothing like hanging out with friends or playing football.”

Ousman ended the video by encouraging his peers to stay in school and take their studies seriously.