Young Cape Verdeans fill labour shortage in Portugal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
Illustrative image · Kampus Production · Pexels · Licence PexelsForty-one young Cape Verdeans have moved to Freixo de Espada à Cinta in north-eastern Portugal, and 15 now work in hotels, restaurants and services. Their integration into the workforce meets local demand for skilled labour after vocational training, according to the Lusa agency.
Fifteen of the 41 young Cape Verdeans who arrived in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, in Portugal's Bragança district, now work in the municipality after completing vocational training, the Lusa agency reports, cited by Expresso das Ilhas. They were trained in cooking, pastry-making, tourism, viticulture and geriatrics, among other fields, before joining hotels, restaurants or private social solidarity institutions.
The first 20 Cape Verdean students arrived in the municipality four years ago, followed by 21 others in subsequent years. Aleida Lopes, 21, works in a restaurant at a hotel establishment after her internship, while Belany da Veiga, 23, works in food service after training in cooking and pastry-making. Marleny Tavares works for the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Freixo de Espada à Cinta in the geriatrics sector.
The young people interviewed by Lusa explain that they encountered integration difficulties on arrival, notably linked to the distance from their country and their unfamiliarity with the municipality. Several, however, want to stay in Portugal to continue their professional activity and their learning.
