When arriving in Portugal, in 2023, “my dreams were to integrate well in the Portuguese society, study a professional course, and get a job like electrician or bus driver. But Católica’s Refugee scholarship and the course changed positively everything in my mind: my life perception, my reasoning about management and economic issues, my dreams” shares Balla Moussa Conde.

At 20, Balla is now a second year Management student at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto Campus. But the journey here was not without its challenges. “Before arriving in Portugal, I was living in Greece as a minor refugee, and I spent nine months there. When I initially arrived, I thought my life in Portugal would be the same as in Greece, with racism, inequality, lack of opportunity for the minor refugees.”

Thankfully, it was exactly the opposite. Now Balla is confident that “Portugal is one of the most hospitable countries with multicultural, nice people and respect for human rights.”

Coming to Portugal also meant the opportunity to continue his studies. “I chose Católica Porto Business School because it was the only university that allowed me to believe in my dream. CPBS assists me in any situation where I need help, and I am very grateful for that,” Balla says.

The favourite moment so far was getting  the accreditation for Católica Porto Business School, and “that motivated me more to believe in myself and my dream to work in one of the greatest financial institutions,” recalls.

“I have hope for the future. With the assistance of Católica Porto Business School, Aldeias das Crianças S.O.S, the Holy Spirit, and my perseverance, the lord will pull me toward success”, says hopeful.

This programme is part of the national effort to welcome and integrate refugees and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. The Refugee Student Support Initiative has been recognised as a Good Practice by the Global Compact on Refugees.