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Description
The “Lugares de Encontro” project aims to support 70 single-parent families in the municipality of São João da Madeira in socioeconomically vulnerable situations. The project will create a support network for mothers and offer several activities to develop their confidence, self-esteem and focus on active citizenship. For their children aged up to 15 years old, workshops will be developed to promote creativity through the arts, such as the creation of a theatre club and activities that allow social inclusion and bring mothers and children closer together.
Summary of project results
In light of the latest Social Network Diagnosis (2015), several pressing challenges were identified in the municipality of S. João da Madeira, part of the Entre Douro e Vouga (EDV) region. This area has the highest population density among the five municipalities in the EDV region, significantly surpassing the national average. One of the most notable issues is the exponential increase in single-parent families, with approximately 91% of these families being female-headed. In certain neighborhoods, nearly 50% of the population falls into this family type.
The diagnosis also highlighted economic challenges, particularly the low average base salary for employees in S. João da Madeira, which is the second lowest in the EDV region. There is a pronounced gender pay gap, with women earning on average €170 less per month than men. This economic disparity is compounded by the prevalence of shift work, a common employment option that poses significant difficulties for single parents, especially those without additional support. These women often experience feelings of overload, powerlessness, and a lack of time for self-care, with their lives and aspirations centered around the well-being of their children.
Furthermore, consultations with social action technicians from various institutions in the municipality revealed the need for dedicated spaces and moments for these women. The feedback from 20 families supported by Habitar S. João, 15 families assisted by the Child and Youth Protection Commission (CPCJ SJM), 32 families aided by the Porta Aberta Community Center, 5 families supported by Acais (RSI processes), and 28 families helped by the Ecos Urbanos Community Center underscored the necessity for support systems. These women often feel overwhelmed by daily life, guilty about their children''s upbringing, socially isolated, and misunderstood by society, which frequently overlooks their roles as active women and citizens.
The project implemented a comprehensive plan featuring various actions and training sessions, including non-formal education, formative sessions, workshops, cultural visits, and creative expression activities for mothers and their children.
On Tuesdays, activities focused on Forum Theatre, with 14 sessions using different methodologies, 4 sessions with a specific approach, 8 creative writing and theatrical games sessions, and 14 sessions of Theatre of the Oppressed.
Wednesdays featured multidisciplinary sessions: 5 sessions on creating a safe and supportive space, 5 mental health sessions, and 8 non-formal education sessions covering topics like gender relations, self-care, and the deconstruction of romantic love. Additionally, there were 2 performative readings, 6 embroidery and discussion sessions, and various workshops on practical skills. These included 1 workshop on economic and nutritious recipes, 1 on entrepreneurial cooking, 3 on digital literacy, personal finance, and energy market regulation, 1 on barefoot flamenco, 5 on Latin dances, and 1 on makeup.
Further workshops included 1 on relaxation and self-massage, 2 on dance therapy, 2 on Tai Chi, 1 on aromatherapy, 2 on breathing and meditation, 2 on reflexology and numerology, and 2 on body expression and relationship with the body. There were also 7 yoga sessions and 1 session with Tibetan bowls.
The project organized 11 cultural visits to various performances and events, providing participants with enriching experiences and exposure to different forms of art and culture. These visits included theater performances, jazz concerts, contemporary art biennials, and more. The community actively participated in events like "Poesia à Mesa 2022," and celebrated occasions such as International Women''s Day and Christmas with themed activities and gatherings.
Two bootcamps were held in 2023, offering intensive training and bonding opportunities in different locations. The project also focused on capacity-building, both internally and externally. Internal efforts included organizational management and communication training, while external actions addressed issues like combating racism through specialized workshops.
The project also engaged in community initiatives such as the Tinta de Limão project (Healthy Neighborhoods), which involved running a community kitchen and organizing a drawing workshop for children.
Overall, the project provided a wide range of activities and support systems to empower and uplift the participants, fostering a sense of community, personal growth, and well-being.
Regarding the organization´s capacity building, and after analyzing the results of the organizational diagnosis involving the technical team and the social bodies, the project completed management training for 9 technicians of the association (30 hours) and communication training for 4 technicians (50 hours). The Action Plan, led by the company COATL, proceeded as planned. In "Strategic Management," the identity elements were revisited to define the association''s strategic aims and objectives. At the time of the report, an activity plan for 2024 was being developed based on the strategic plan defined during the management training, updating the mission and vision.
The communication training enabled the construction of a Communication Plan, which was designed together with the consultant. Following the consultancy, the website was revamped with new content and web design. Two team-building sessions have already been conducted, and monthly general meetings are being held to ensure the entire team is aligned with the association''s positioning and growth.
The opportunity provided by the Capacity Building allowed the project to understand the need to observe itself as a living organism in relation to its context, gaining greater clarity in thinking to optimize efforts and create increasingly synergistic networks.
The project implemented a comprehensive plan featuring various actions and training sessions, including non-formal education, formative sessions, workshops, cultural visits, and creative expression activities for mothers and their children.
On Tuesdays, activities focused on Forum Theatre, with 14 sessions using different methodologies, 4 sessions with a specific approach, 8 creative writing and theatrical games sessions, and 14 sessions of Theatre of the Oppressed.
Wednesdays featured multidisciplinary sessions: 5 sessions on creating a safe and supportive space, 5 mental health sessions, and 8 non-formal education sessions covering topics like gender relations, self-care, and the deconstruction of romantic love. Additionally, there were 2 performative readings, 6 embroidery and discussion sessions, and various workshops on practical skills. These included 1 workshop on economic and nutritious recipes, 1 on entrepreneurial cooking, 3 on digital literacy, personal finance, and energy market regulation, 1 on barefoot flamenco, 5 on Latin dances, and 1 on makeup.
Further workshops included 1 on relaxation and self-massage, 2 on dance therapy, 2 on Tai Chi, 1 on aromatherapy, 2 on breathing and meditation, 2 on reflexology and numerology, and 2 on body expression and relationship with the body. There were also 7 yoga sessions and 1 session with Tibetan bowls.
The project organized 11 cultural visits to various performances and events, providing participants with enriching experiences and exposure to different forms of art and culture. These visits included theater performances, jazz concerts, contemporary art biennials, and more. The community actively participated in events like "Poesia à Mesa 2022," and celebrated occasions such as International Women''s Day and Christmas with themed activities and gatherings.
Two bootcamps were held in 2023, offering intensive training and bonding opportunities in different locations. The project also focused on capacity-building, both internally and externally. Internal efforts included organizational management and communication training, while external actions addressed issues like combating racism through specialized workshops.
The project also engaged in community initiatives such as the Tinta de Limão project (Healthy Neighborhoods), which involved running a community kitchen and organizing a drawing workshop for children.
Overall, the project provided a wide range of activities and support systems to empower and uplift the participants, fostering a sense of community, personal growth, and well-being.
Regarding the organization´s capacity building, and after analyzing the results of the organizational diagnosis involving the technical team and the social bodies, the project completed management training for 9 technicians of the association (30 hours) and communication training for 4 technicians (50 hours). The Action Plan, led by the company COATL, proceeded as planned. In "Strategic Management," the identity elements were revisited to define the association''s strategic aims and objectives. At the time of the report, an activity plan for 2024 was being developed based on the strategic plan defined during the management training, updating the mission and vision.
The communication training enabled the construction of a Communication Plan, which was designed together with the consultant. Following the consultancy, the website was revamped with new content and web design. Two team-building sessions have already been conducted, and monthly general meetings are being held to ensure the entire team is aligned with the association''s positioning and growth.
The opportunity provided by the Capacity Building allowed the project to understand the need to observe itself as a living organism in relation to its context, gaining greater clarity in thinking to optimize efforts and create increasingly synergistic networks.