The Jersey Community Relations Trust has launched Project Luso, a research initiative to study, explore and celebrate Portuguese daily life and culture.
The Jersey Community Relations Trust (JCRT) believes that one of the most effective ways to do this is to connect with, communicate and better understand the experiences of the community, as well as celebrate the positive impact Jersey’s Portuguese community has had on the Island.
The 2021 Jersey census reported approximately 8,000 Jersey residents born in Portugal and 9,700 identifying as ethnically Portuguese. Informal estimates, however, suggest there are approximately 16,000 Portuguese speakers, highlighting a significant cultural presence in the Island.
Project Luso aims to work with diverse members of the Portuguese community to:
- research daily life for Islanders with a Portuguese background and to document and raise awareness of the stories of the Portuguese community,
- understand and address the challenges for Portuguese members of the Jersey community,
- celebrate and promote Portuguese culture in Jersey and highlight the unique contribution Jersey’s Portuguese community makes to Island life.
Selina Zenonos, Vice-chair of JCRT and leader of Project Luso said: “‘JCRT is proud to champion and celebrate the rich diversity of our community. As part of our
commitment to fostering inclusion and equity in Jersey, we are launching an important research initiative to explore and uplift the experiences of migrants on our island. Through this research, we aim not only to honor the invaluable contributions these communities have made to Jersey but also to enhance the quality of life and opportunities available to them.
“We are excited to kick off this initiative with Project Luso, focusing on one of Jersey’s most established European communities—the Portuguese. This project marks the beginning of a journey to deepen our understanding and support for all migrant communities in Jersey.”
Anyone in Jersey with Portuguese heritage is invited to complete a short survey to help the JCRT understand and better serve their community in Jersey.
