Miracles are being performed within schools to support the successful integration of immigrants, said former PSD leader Luís Marques Mendes. He highlighted cases where many children of immigrants, from various nationalities, enter schools without knowledge of Portuguese or even English.
Marques Mendes made these remarks during a visit to the EB 2,3 school in Montenegro, Faro, which accommodates 923 students, including 170 foreign nationals from 27 different countries, 22 of these without Portuguese as their native language.
He emphasized the “remarkable effort” Portugal is making to integrate immigrants effectively, a challenge that did not exist for educators a decade ago. He advocated for broader recognition of this significant integration experience.
Acknowledging integration challenges and errors, the former PSD president expressed a positive outlook on the country’s progress. He paid tribute to the Ministry of Education, schools, teachers, and administrative staff.
“Schools are performing miracles,” he reiterated. “A well-integrated student contributes significantly to their family feeling more welcomed in society.”
During the same event, Marques Mendes announced former deputy and Secretary of State for the Environment, Macário Correia, as the district representative for his candidacy. He justified this choice with Correia’s dedication to public service.
“I intend to have the best from Portuguese society supporting me. In various areas, Macário Correia is an exemplary figure,” Marques Mendes stated, praising Correia’s “remarkable” work capacity, which he believes is underappreciated in the country.
Correia, a former mayor of Faro and Tavira, was described by Marques Mendes as extraordinarily dedicated to public service, embodying principles, values, authenticity, generosity, and solidarity.
In response to journalists questioning his acceptance of the role despite plans to withdraw from politics, Correia reaffirmed his intention but noted that it does not preclude his engagement in pivotal political moments.
“[…] I remain civically engaged, especially when participating in selecting key figures for the country’s political future, such as the President of the Republic,” concluded Correia.
