“In Rotterdam, you can follow your dreams,” says Fulvio from São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in Africa. He left his homeland in 2005 for Portugal, where he lived with family and studied. “But a friend I knew in São Tomé and Príncipe invited me to come and see Rotterdam.”
When he arrived here, he liked it so much that he decided to stay. “I immediately felt at home. I saw a city with many cultures, friendly people and opportunities. I also felt welcome right away because of the large Cape Verdean and Portuguese communities here.”
Colourful culture
Fulvio is still very enthusiastic about the city, starting with its diversity. “There are so many different cultures, foods and types of music here. I love colourful festivals like the summer carnival.” He enjoys these because different nationalities share their cultures. Fulvio is active in the music scene himself and also wants to share his culture from São Tomé and Príncipe. “The music, the food, the dance. Everything.”
Making dreams come true and giving back
He also appreciates Rotterdam’s freedom and opportunities. “If you respect the laws here and make an effort, you can be who you want to be. You can follow your dreams.” Fulvio has many dreams. But one dream stands out: “I want to grow my own business and use it to help people who have nothing – in Rotterdam and in my country.” He wants to support young people and families, give them opportunities and inspire them.
Help
His start in Rotterdam was not easy. “In the beginning, I had no home, no job. But if you know what you want and you respect the rules, you can do anything here. Believe in yourself and in your dreams.” Fortunately, he received help from the Rotterdam community, churches and other migrants. “And now I want to give something back. If we all do something for each other, the world will be a better place. That’s how we build a bright future together.”
Church and nature
Because community is important to him, Fulvio visits a Catholic church in Blijdorp every week. “There, I feel connected to the people and the faith.” He also enjoys nature in Rotterdam. “I feel at peace by the water and in nature.” Fulvio loves Rotterdam, but there is room for improvement. “Rotterdam is already good. But there need to be more houses. There are too many people without homes.”