The Integration Question with Princess Pamela Toyin

Being with people he loves, making his dreams come true, and feeling useful for himself and the people around him are the things Fernando Demez Camargo loves most.

The Brazilian says his main attraction to Ireland was to improve his English. In the course of his adventures in the country he calls “this magical place”, he has obtained a Master’s degree in logistics, warehouse and business studies.

Fernando’s adventure began in 2006 when the economy of Ireland was still flying. After spending six years in Brazil working with an international company as a warehouse supervisor, the then 25-year-old took what was a much-needed leap across the equator and across the Atlantic.

“I do love this magical place,” he says. “I would say that in both Brazil and Ireland you can find really beautiful landscapes, farms, and green areas.”

Fernando is yet to find the right magic in his job as a sales representative in an Italian fashion boutique, which draws clients from various nationalities to the heart of Dublin city.

“Actually, this is not my area at all; working in a shop is completely different [to what] I used to do,” he says. “But I do learn something new every day and I know that it will be useful for my professional and personal skills.”

Fernando says he loves the Irish people, especially his friendly and reliable friends who have helped his smooth integration into Irish life. He also says has never experienced any racial bias but explains that if he ever does, he would take action because he cannot stand racism of any sort.

Fernando feels he is making a good life for himself in Ireland, but he misses home in Brazil as the years pass. “All my family live in Brazil, I don’t have any relatives out of my country,” he says.

It’s something that weighs on his mind more and more as prospects in his chosen career path appear to be thin on the ground.

“I would love to live in Ireland for a long time but because the only way I can stay in Ireland is finding a professional job in a warehouse [or in] logistics and getting a work permit. If I don’t I will have to leave the country soon.” 

Overall, however, Fernando believes Ireland is a great place to live “even though there are some issues like the weather, high price of rent, etcetera. 

“Ireland is safe and full of good people and good places to visit and explore. Ireland, in a nutshell, is a place where you can be yourself.”

Princess Pamela Toyin has gained experience since the mid-1980s working in various fields and interacting with people of different tribes and ethnicity. With her passion for diversity, she is propelled to report a diverse range of issues that facilitate intercultural dialogue and integration, which can change social, economic, and cultural stereotypes, and believes there are lessons to be learned from everyone. Talk to her on +353 (0) 87 417 9640 or email echoesmediainternational@gmail.com

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