Demoted, young, integrated and hard-working: this is the Ecuadorian community living in the UK, and this is how some of its members see themselves.
Cesar Barragán makes up part of one of the smallest Latin communities settled in the UK. The Office of National Statistics estimates that in 2010, there were between 7,000 and 10,000 Ecuadorian nationals in London.
This is nothing like the figures offered by the embassy, which have risen to 70,000 individuals. Ecuador is a country of great figures, it is considered to be the territory with the greatest population density in South America. Its economy grows at an accelerated rate and its landscape is characterised by the abundance of rivers and volcanoes.
This reality is reflected in the open nature of some of the immigrants that have reached the British capital, with the aim of finding work.
Cesar has found a new lifestyle far from his origins, and he spoke to The Prisma about his outlook on life in London.
Employees in the cleaning sector
Up to 50% of Ecuadorians living in England work in the cleaning sector and in poorly qualified jobs. Cesar comments that “No job is degrading while it is legal. I am a professional in my country, but I work as a cleaner and in catering here.”
“There are people who have no scruples and who make the most of their situation, having recently arrived. You work, but in exchange for a very poor salary. Yet, if you have nothing else, you have to accept it. The city is very expensive and you have to earn money however you can, Many jobs pay £6.50 per hour.”
This Ecuadorian, who abandoned his native territory 10 years ago, has seen how help provided to the immigrant has evolved over time. “Before, it was in the embassy or the consulate, but not through associations or institutions like The National Migrant Office, which offers a meeting place to share experiences and knowledge, to reinforce our culture and work on our integration into British society.”
Cesar adds that the community he forms a part of has improved greatly in terms of integration, “although, we are not a hundred per cent there yet,” he confesses.
He is in favour of evaluating an immigrant’s level of English before granting British citizenship. “It is a good thing. This way they avoid the tricks that many people in the middle comment on. Many people pay a lot of money to come here, they are tricked. Some don’t arrive and even lose their lives en route”.
We are integrated
Among other interesting facts that have jumped into the public eye recently is the increase of racism in British society. Cesar comments that the Ecuadorian community has not been victim in any discriminatory event.
“The increase of Ecuadorians in England makes us stronger, with the organisation of the community. It increases our visibility, and this translates into more strength to help those who have recently arrived,” he comments the communication coordinator for the organization.
Besides, he says he knows of more cases of racism that friends and family have suffered in Spain than in England. Although he points out that whilst Spanish people themselves have not created a favourable environment for them, other immigrant groups have.
“The opinion that immigrants take Brits’ jobs is not true. Immigration is necessary for the development of a city like London. How many Brits get up in the early hours to clean the streets? We people from overseas do this.”
When asked about the nature of English society, he confesses, seriously laughing. “On New Year’s Eve, London seems like they are celebrating a wake, whereas in South America, it is one of the most important celebrations, ending the year.”
Although thousands of miles separate the UK and Ecuador, the music and the South American country’s traditions sound out through the streets in the city more and more. This is the reality of a community that has found its place in a multicultural city.
(Translated by Caroline Gutierrez – Email: carolinegutierrez@btinternet.com) – Photos: Pixabay
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