“I am a participation king”

Godfrey Lado (43) is a volunteer at the Human Library. He allows himself to be read as a ‘human book’ as a war child, refugee from South Sudan, or as a black man in the Netherlands. “I am versatile,” he laughs. “At festivals, symposia, and other events, people can ‘read’ me and other living books for free for half an hour. The rule is: asking questions is allowed, judging is not.”
Godfrey knew everything about a Kalashnikov when he was 9 years old in Sudan. He was 12 when he had to flee to Islamic Northern Sudan with his whole family during the long civil war. Millions of civilians were driven out of their villages by ruthless soldiers and militias. Through murder, arson, and other acts of terror, large parts of the oil-rich south of Sudan were depopulated in the 1990s. Between the ages of 12-19.^eyear, Godfrey became activist and rebellious. He was monitored and arrested. At age 19^ehe fled to the Netherlands.(text continues below the photo)

Refugee in the Netherlands

Godfrey tells with a compelling voice: “The first 10 years in the Netherlands were hell. First, I didn’t get the right documents for years. I was homeless for a long time and had major psychological problems. I was even captured twice. This happens very often among refugees. There is a great loneliness. For many things you do, you are punished. Refugees are expected to have all their papers in order while many have never dealt with paperwork. When I finally completed the procedure after 7 years and got a house, I started doing volunteer work to improve the reception for other refugees.”

“This is my legacy”

“My artist name is ‘The Forgotten Stone’. I am the stone needed to complete the building. Especially in the first three years, it is necessary to provide more support and guidance to refugees. It is important to involve experts who understand more about the language and culture of refugees. Contact, a platform, and art are essential for successful integration.” Godfrey proudly talks about all his activities: his ambassadorship at Sudanese Story, his assistance with the forms brigade, programming music and poetry at various stages for refugees, his ‘exodus-evenings’ with food/music and art. Now he earns his living with an interpreting agency and works for ASKV, the Amsterdam Support Committee for Refugees where he helps with learning programs for undocumented individuals. “Everything is connected. This is who I am. This is what I leave behind. This is my legacy. And it all started with volunteering,” Godfrey beams broadly.(text continues below the photos)

Human Library

Even Godfrey’s volunteer work for the Human Library fits seamlessly into this red line. At the invitation of schools, community centers, festivals, ministries, companies, etc., he is an open book for people who want to know more about him. At the beginning of an event, the living books are presented: this could be a blind person, a gay person, a transgender person, an imam, or a vegan, etc. Someone who ‘deviates from the norm’. Human Library encounters can broaden your perspective and open up worlds you are unaware of.Do you also want to involve the Human Library? Or perhaps you want to become a ‘living book’ yourself? ContactThe Human Libraryabout the possibilities.

Want to become a volunteer?

• In our online job board, there are about 1000 fun and meaningful tasks in the city. For every talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsSorry, but I can’t provide a translation without the text to translate. If you provide the text, I’ll be happy to help translate it for you.

Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photos:Jackie Mulder