Meet The Forum: Margarida

[h4]Intern in the Mentoring Project[/h4]

[blockquote]My name is Margarida. I’m from Portugal. Currently I’m a Master student in International Relations, Development and Global Refugees’ studies in Copenhagen, Denmark. I like to travel and meet new people and cultures. In the spare time I love to listen to music, walk and go out with my friends. [/blockquote]

Where do you live now? Where have you lived before?

Right now I’m living in West London near Westbourne Park. I was born in a fishing town in the south of Portugal called Olhão and I lived most of my life there. Later, I moved to Lisbon to pursue my studies and I’ve been living there for six years. I’ve also lived 9 months in Ljubljana (Slovenia) as an exchange student and another 9 months in Copenhagen because of my masters. I guess I’ve been moving quite a bit in the last years…

Why are you interested in migration?

Migration is such a broad topic that includes a lot of issues that need to be addressed. In the news you hear stories of people risking their lives to look for a better and “safer” life in Europe. You also hear about the problems that these people face to integrate in a new country and have a decent life. All of us should be able to have the same opportunities and be able to choose what to do with them. If I can give a little help to improve these people’s lives, I want to do it.

What do you do at MRCF?

I’m an intern in the New Beginnings Mentoring Project with Francesca. My main duty is to help running the activities that we organize for the mentors and mentees at MRCF.

How did you come to work at the Forum?

Because of my masters, I need to complete an internship related to development and migration. I always wanted to work with migrants in Europe. So I contacted MRCF and began this great opportunity!

What do you think is unique about MRCF?

I like the fact that all days here are different! Something unexpected can always come up and the people who work and help here always try to do their best. I also like the positive environment. At the Forum, there are people from many places and I have learned so many things and always share a good laugh. Oh and I also love the sweet snacks that we have in the office! Yummy!

What issues do you think are most important to migrants in London?

I have still little experience in migrant issues in London, but I think for migrants the most important issues is to have their status sorted out and to obtain stability for them and their families, especially on housing issues.

What are you looking forward to in the next year?

If everything goes well, next year I hope to write my thesis and finish my masters. And it would be perfect if I could find a job in my area of studies. I would like to continue working on migration issues in Portugal or in other southern European countries, because I think there is still a lot of work that needs to be done and a lot of people need help. Generally, I hope refugees and migrants will have their rights more widely recognized and practically accomplished.
“All of us should be able to have the same opportunities and be able to choose what to do with them.”

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