The Hissami family say that the “help has been really good” and that “everything we needed was taken care of and everything was perfect”. They are enjoying the good weather, the beautiful surroundings and tell us that “there is no fighting and they have no more worries about the war”. When asked about their future plans, they said “We plan to live in Golegã and buy a house or car. We have a good life in Portugal and my children are in school. They should study here and the most important thing for us to learn is the language”. They go on to say “Our future will be good here - we like everything”.
The Sarkhosh family say that “FOCUS did a great job for us. All the documents are processed, school [has been organised for] my children, we have accommodation and we have registered at the health centre”. They are also receiving language, computer, maths and English classes for both parents and adults. They go on to say “We are enjoying [Portugal] very well – its good weather and it’s a secure country. However, I am always thinking about the people in Afghanistan, not only my family but all the Afghan community”.
When asked about the plans for the future, he said “I have a big plan for now and for the future. Currently, I have to focus on the children and their education… And I would still focus on music, without music, life would be completely meaningless to me. I can help the human society through music education and music programs”.
The Saberi family also said that they think everything is “very good” in Portugal and that they like everything, including the weather and the people. They want to continue to work hard to build a life for their family in Portugal.
“A New Beginning” is a settlement program that aims to enable the integration of newly arrived migrants into Portuguese society, who were relocated from Greece to Portugal under the bilateral agreement between Greece and Portugal.
A protocol was signed between the High Commission for Migration (ACM) and the European Union with FOCUS Europe as a host entity and the National Council of Portugal as an implementing partner.
The families are all enrolled in Portuguese language courses to enable swift integration into society and to create employment opportunities. In addition, families are supported with housing and utilities, access to free health care and education for their children, as well as integration activities to help them feel welcome and at home in Portugal.
To support FOCUS’s European Settlement Programme and our other projects, please make a donation here
