The stories of 12 minors from Africa and Asia, who found refuge in Germany, were described in a book that was presented in Chisinau on July 1. The book “Simply to leave. Children’s escape” was written by the deputy director of the Deutsche Welle Akademie Ute Schaeffer. The book is about how these children reached Europe and their life in the countries of origin, IPN reports.

Germany’s Ambassador to Moldova Ulrike Knotz said the author of the book centered on a very topical problem – young people who found themselves in dangerous situations. “Ute Schaeffer spoke with these young people and found out the context in which the children left their countries of origin,” stated the diplomat.

The author of the book “Simply to leave. Children’s escape” during six months interviewed 12 children, who agreed to tell her about their destinies. These came to Germany without parents and didn’t know where they will get to and how they will find a place to stay or a job. The protagonists are native of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Nigeria. “Their goal was to leave, just to leave. In other words, they wanted to be as far as possible from violence and pursuit and from the place where their own families were massacred and they could be the next,” stated the author.

Ute Schaeffer also said that the minors depicted in the book are very disciplined fighters. “They followed consistently their road, pursued their goal and took major risks. They have experience in overcoming difficulties. All these characteristics helped them a lot during the first weeks, months and even years spent in the German environment. Only the most powerful and most courageous ones reach us,” she stated.

Proceeds from book sales will be used to support refugees.