Santiago, 26 April, 2023 / 8:52 pm (ACI Africa).
A bigger percentage of the natives of the island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde, have left the country and are living away from home, a Catholic Priest serving in the archipelago has said.
In a Tuesday, April 25 report shared with Agenzia Fides as Cape Verde prepares for the 2024 celebration of the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of Santiago, one of the archipelago’s islands, Fr. Antonio Ferreira who is heading the preparations says that many Cape Verdeans, especially the adult population, have left their native country in search of employment and better living conditions.
“There are about 500 thousand people living in Cape Verde, the majority are young,” Fr. Ferreira, the president of the national commission for the jubilee of the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of Santiago, says.
He adds, “People continue to emigrate from Cape Verde and to all corners of the world. But for all those who leave, the bond with the homeland remains very strong, and they feel they must contribute to the well-being of what is their home.”
“During the pandemic, diaspora aid was essential, and overall remittances hold up the economy. This phenomenon is experienced with pride: our communities abroad, usually well integrated, know that they are helping the country by helping their families,” Fr. Ferreira further says.