According to previous studies released in Portugal there is a big number of Muslim communities in the country representing 0.5% of the population, among this percentage 70% have Portuguese citizenship. The majority are Guinean followed by Mozambicans who were able to re-build their lives in Portugal. Leila Sale Mahomed is among those Mozambican. Leila Sale Mohamed is one of the 15 volunteers from ACITMMM, the Islamic Community Association of Tapada das Mercês and Mem-Martins. As a teacher Leila sees in education the chance to give hope and guidance to refugees who suffered from war and conflict. She emphasizes the need to give psychological support by qualified professionals in order to help refugees to fully integrate the hosting society and embrace life in a positive way.
The difficulties in the healing of refugee-related trauma is immeasurable. Refugees flee from death and persecution trying to find peace and safety. This journey is hazardous and sometimes deadly. OIM estimates that 3.813 people died in 2018 in the MediterraneanSea while trying to reach Europe. Psychological support is thus capital when dealing with such traumas.
Leila Sale Mohamed, as a member of ACITMMM, an English teacher and a mother is the appropriate person to share her ideas concerning in how to deal with refugees and migrants and helping them to integrate into society. The association aims to prevent racism and radicalization by giving courses on different languages: Portuguese, English and Arabic. This is helpful for those who need special support or help in learning other language being able to rely that ACITMMM will offer them what they need.
