Homeless Moroccan Student Excels in Spanish Vocational Program Despite Challenges

Without institutional support, Mohamed is struggling to integrate into Spanish society. Since September, he has been following an industrial mechanics training course at the INS de Llobregat de L’Hospitalet. The young man of Moroccan origin is homeless. Despite his situation, he stood out for his punctuality and dedication. "I’m afraid someone will steal my laptop because I sleep on the street," he confided a few weeks ago to his teachers who decided to help him improve his living conditions.

"I would never have imagined his situation. He is an excellent student, brilliant in some respects. Punctual, clean, hardworking... He could easily get a higher degree," said Víctor Langreo, coordinator of the VET program, about Mohamed. The teachers pooled their money to pay for a room for the 22-year-old. But he has to vacate the premises on February 15 and could find himself on the street again if the social services do not quickly find him housing.

Mohamed arrived in Spain from Turkey; a two-month journey he made on foot and hiding under trucks. On his arrival in Catalonia, he was not taken care of by the system for the protection of unaccompanied foreign minors. After spending a few days in temporary accommodation provided by a local NGO, he began sleeping under the stars, under the Vallcarca bridge in Barcelona.

The 22-year-old never spoke of his situation to his teachers. Thanks to the latter who brought his case to the attention of the competent authorities, his file will be processed quickly by the social services. "We cannot allow him to go back to the street. If, in his situation, he comes to class every day with energy and enthusiasm, imagine what he could do if he had a house where he could rest," the teachers insist.