José Júnior, 21, a student in the International Relations Bachelor’s degree, has been volunteering with the association “O meu lugar no Mundo” (My Place in the World) since last year, where he supports Form 5 and Form 6 children with their school activities, clarifying doubts and helping them solve exercises.
With this experience, which was born out of a desire to use his free time for the benefit of others, he is contributing to the learning of several children, who have already become accustomed to his good mood and humour.
Júnior, as he is known, believes that volunteering is a unique experience that makes a difference to people’s lives and opens doors to new friendships. At the Association, he met Erasmus students with whom he now travels and “builds memories.”
He was born in Guinea-Bissau, and he has been living in Portugal since 2009. He admits that adapting to a new culture was not easy. Today, however, he feels fully integrated. He chose a degree in International Relations because it is a “broadband” course that allows him to acquire various skills, and he found a home at Universidade Portucalense.
For the future, Júnior has ambitions for a diplomatic career in the European Institutions or in his own country, although he will not “close the door” to opportunities in business. He dreams of a “stable life, helping others.” His motto in life is: “Hard work pays off. Without work there are no achievements. It takes effort and dedication to achieve great things.”
