by Hannah from India

Even before I had come to Germany in June 2018, I used to receive messages from Gentille. Little did we know we would share such a strong bond later. Who would have even thought a Tamil speaking girl from India and a French speaking girl from Congo would become such good friends in Dortmund. Gentille had arrived at Dortmund a month before I had come; she had already picked up the German language very well. While I on the other hand was struggling with it.

I know! I know! Right now your question probably is “How did you two even communicate?” well, it so happened that I could understand GRENCH (German + French) and she could understand GENGLISH (German + English). People often ask us “How is it even possible?”

Well ours is an exclusive friendship.

Gentille Neema Mironde, a Hairdresser turned teacher, a compassionate mother, singer, theatre artist, fighter and a friend. I often wonder is there anything that she cannot do?

Our little moments of joy include, frantically running to the bus stop, eating fried potatoes with mayo all day every day, dancing to “Kuch Kuch Hota Hei”, me eating her fried bananas while she is still cooking, shouting from the windows to each other.

We are complete examples that a friendship doesn’t even need a common language, it’s all about the care and emotion. A friendship that knows no boundaries.