Young Moroccan Migrants Share Integration Journey in Spain

Dahamouh decided to leave Morocco at the age of 17 to build a better future in Spain. The boat that was transporting him and other migrants capsized and they were rescued and placed in a youth center in El Bosque. Like him, Zhor, a young Moroccan who "wanted a change in [her] life", also boarded a makeshift boat for Spain. El Yayaoui, for his part, was in a youth center in Melilla before joining Chiclana. The three Moroccans had the same goal: to improve their living conditions, reports La Voz Digital.

With the help of the Association of Solidarity Families for the Development of Chiclana (Horeca), they managed to integrate in Spain and have a better life than in Morocco. "I prefer to work than to steal," confides Dahamouh, who started training in electricity as soon as he arrived in Spain, but had to interrupt it to work. "I had a lot of expenses. I had to pay my rent," he said. El Yayaoui, for his part, has taken gardening courses and plans to get his driver’s license. As for Zhor, she continued her secondary education to realize her dream of becoming a nurse.

Today, Dahamouh works in a pizzeria. Although he did not take hotel management courses, he claims to have acquired some experience in the field in Morocco. "I like doing this because I feel good and comfortable," he testifies. El Yayaoui, for his part, works in a beach bar and is delighted to have had this "opportunity". Zhor, for her part, is a kitchen employee in a Moroccan restaurant in La Barrosa. Thanks to this job, she will be able to rent a small apartment and "lead a normal life", while continuing her studies to become a nurse.

The three young people manage to save the money they earn in Spain to help their families in Morocco. "I use part of the money for my living expenses here and I send part to my family," details El Yayaoui who wants to work hard to become a "chef". Zhor hopes to finish her studies and find a better job. "My ultimate goal is to stay here in Spain and make my life," she affirms.