Young Cabo Verdeans Fill Labor Gaps in Freixo de Espada à Cinta

Young Cabo Verdeans are filling labor gaps in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a town in northeastern Portugal. The first 20 students from Cabo Verde arrived four years ago, followed by 21 more in subsequent years. They came to Portugal with dreams of a better future and a willingness to work. After completing professional courses in areas such as cooking, pastry-making, tourism, and geriatrics, 15 of them have already entered the local job market.

Aleida Lopes, a 21-year-old Cabo Verdean, is one of the young professionals who has successfully integrated into the local community. She arrived in Freixo de Espada à Cinta at 17 and initially faced difficulties adjusting to her new environment. However, she persevered and is now working in a restaurant at a local hotel. Lopes plans to stay in Portugal for now, citing her positive experience and opportunities for growth.

Belany da Veiga, 23, is another Cabo Verdean who has found success in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. She completed a course in cooking and pastry-making and is now working in a local restaurant. Da Veiga appreciates the freedom to create and learn in her new role, and she plans to stay in Portugal for the time being. Her experience has been positive, and she feels well-treated by her employer.

Marleny Tavares, a Cabo Verdean working in the geriatrics sector, also shares a similar story. She is employed at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Freixo de Espada à Cinta and is gaining valuable experience working with elderly patients. Tavares initially had concerns about adapting to her new role, but she has since adjusted and plans to continue working in Portugal.

Local business owners and employers have welcomed the arrival of these young Cabo Verdean professionals. José Araújo, a restaurateur, notes that it is challenging to find skilled labor in the local market, making the Cabo Verdeans a valuable addition. Susana Santos, director of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Freixo de Espada à Cinta, agrees, citing the young professionals' qualifications and eagerness to work.

The partnership between the municipality of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional, and the Direção-Geral dos Estabelecimentos Escolares has made these professional courses possible. The courses have been designed to address labor shortages in specific sectors, and the results have been promising. According to Nuno Ferreira, the mayor of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the initiative has contributed to the local economy and population growth.

The success of this initiative has caught the attention of national authorities, with Ferreira noting that the program serves as an example for other regions. The partnership with municipalities in Cabo Verde has also led to an agreement to provide 10 scholarships per year for students from the islands of Fogo, Santiago, and São Nicolau. This exchange program aims to promote economic growth and development in both countries.

Key points

• The program has helped to alleviate labor shortages in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, with 15 Cabo Verdean students already employed in the local job market.