Finding Freedom: Ismaila Sagna’s Journey from Senegal to Oklahoma

June 19, 2024

Ismaila Sagna, a 26-year-old from Senegal, arrived in Oklahoma City on January 5. Like many refugees, Ismaila had to flee his home country because it was unsafe due to his sexual orientation. He feared for his life.

“Back in Africa, we don’t have the same freedom we have here in the U.S.,” he says.

Ismaila first fled to Algeria, seeking asylum. There, he lived not in a refugee camp but on a construction site, where he built his own shelter. He worked small construction jobs in exchange for a meager income, which wasn’t enough to cover rent.

He left behind his loving mother, who encouraged him in his Muslim faith and prayed with him during his three years in Algeria.

“It was a long process, but I know in life every difficult time comes to an end,” Ismaila says with confident resolve.

Eventually, Ismaila was sent to seek refuge in the United States. He traveled with 19 other refugees, but they were separated upon arrival. Ismaila was the only one from his group sent to Oklahoma where he was welcomed with open arms by his Catholic Charities case manager, Kim, who guided him through the resettlement process.

“Catholic Charities really helped me get food stamps, my legal papers, sent me to English class and helped me get a job at Walmart,” he says gratefully.

Ismaila is currently taking English classes to improve his language skills and better his life. Although he attended high school in Senegal, he never graduated, but now aspires to further his education and become a productive contributor to the U.S. economy, ultimately hoping to become a U.S. citizen.

“I’d like to go to school to get a diploma and find a good job to help our country, especially in the health field,” he says.

His financial struggles since arriving in the U.S. have been significant, compounded by a lack of social support.

“I’m feeling lonely and I don’t feel the job I’m doing is enough to pay rent and bills,” he admits.

Despite these challenges, Ismaila is determined. He knows that learning English will help him overcome his current obstacles. Drawing from his experiences in Algeria, he understands that hard times don’t last forever and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“School is the most important thing right now,” he says. “I’m so happy. I’m really, really happy to be here.”