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You are in: Guernsey > People > Your Stories > Portuguese Community Develops

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Portuguese Community Develops

In 1981 the Portuguese Education Secretary first promoted Portuguese lessons to pupils at the Notre Dame du Rosaire school in Guernsey. A teacher was appointed to undertake the job.

Unfortunately there was a poor response from the children and the teacher resigned.

The Portuguese Secretary of Education faced great difficulties in obtaining a licence for the new teacher, so the Portuguese Authorities had to cancel the education programme in Guernsey.

In 2002 the Portuguese Education Ministry began the programme again, but due to budget reductions for the ministry of education, the programme of teaching portuguese in Guernsey ended in 2004.

1981 was also the year the Portuguese Association formed a football team alongside the GFA, namely 'Lusobritanic.'

The team at that time played friendly games with the Police, the States and the Firefighters. There was also a Mini-European Knockout Cup organized by Vale Rec Sports Club.

The team also took part in the Sunday Soccer League and later in the Bankers League.

Since 1983 The Portuguese Association in Guernsey, has been affiliated to other similar Associations in UK and the Channel Islands, and registered with the Secretary of the Portuguese Communities in Lisbon.

Portugal joined the EC in 1986. At this time Guernsey imported a large number of workers for the horticultural and tourism industry.

By 1990 the numbers continued to rise as the Portuguese were allowed to move more freely within Europe, the UK and the Channel Islands. By the year 2000 the community represented 3.3% of the Guernsey population (2,000 people).

Since 2000 both industries have suffered a tremendous decline.

A large number of Portuguese have diversified their employment widely into hospitals, nursing, domestic services, laundries, shops, cleaning services, supermarkets, banks, insurance, and the construction industry. Some are now self-employed.

The majority of the second generation is employed in finance, banking, social services, medicine, law and architecture.

Since being formed the Portuguese Association has played an important roll in communicating with Nuno Santos, the Director of the Communities Centre in Madeira.

The Association also has a good relationship with the local authorities including Social Security, and Commerce and Employment Department. It is involved with the Police Public Consultative Group.

last updated: 13/08/2008 at 11:40
created: 09/07/2004

You are in: Guernsey > People > Your Stories > Portuguese Community Develops



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