Marlene Pacheco

Marlene Pacheco 
03/01/ 1951
Florianópolis, Brasil

I was born in the circus, and when I was 7, my parents decided to leave it so that the children could study. There was no work for my father, so life was very difficult. We lived in a shack on a small occupied piece of land. We went hungry.
I am a teacher, and I was born to be a teacher! When I retired from administrative work, I continued teaching until the day I was told I was no longer authorised to teach. The school and the students were my joy and my life!
It was at that moment that I decided to come to Porto with my granddaughter at the age of 72. Here, joining the association Portuando made me pay even more attention to social issues and become more active in activism. I currently teach English to immigrants at a social rate. Being a migrant woman has made me more aware, more present, more active.
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I have a huge desire to participate, to be present, and to fully experience the city of Porto. At Portuando I support Brazilian immigrants who arrive; at home, I open space to share knowledge and offer my English classes at a social price, because teaching is also my reason for living.
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I fell in love with the city, the public transport, the cultural offer, the people. I fell in love with everything! It felt like I had been dropped in the right place — I felt at home and safe. The similarities with Florianópolis made me feel a connection to this place. Here and now, I do what I love and live where I feel at home, even if it is just a room…
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Housing is a major challenge for me and for everyone. I currently live in a room; my pension almost only covers accommodation. I am concerned about the inhumane way some services treat people, especially in the fragile and vulnerable condition of being a migrant.
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I wish to continue my life moving through the city and making the most of the opportunities it gives me. I feel I can have a great journey ahead! Life has many turns, but once you enter the ride, you just enjoy it.
Coming from the circus, I could not help but take part in theatre initiatives here in Porto. I still want to win the Oscar for Best Actress in 2050.