2. Portugal is one of the oldest countries in the world and if before we were
known by our prodigious sailors and being the longest-lived European
colonial empire (lasting for over 600 years!), now we are worldwide
recognized by our Football Players, great touristic destination and by the
excellent food, weather and growing exporting economy.
Spending 6 weeks in Portugal will be the best experience of your life!
Being Lisbon the heart of Portugal, this is the best destination for your
summer. Here are some reasons why you will love it!
Welcome to Impact Portugal!
3. Reasons to visit Lisbon
It's gorgeous.
From the wide, tree-lined Avenida de
Liberdade, to the brightly painted houses in
Baixa and Alfama, to the majestic arches in
Terreiro de Paço (Lisbon's sprawling central
square), Lisbon's streets are filled with
whimsy, romance, and vibrancy. Don't forget
to look down as you stroll: ornate tilework, a
Portuguese trademark, adorn a number of
the city's sidewalks.
It’s perfect for
beach lovers.
Lisbon is one of the few major European cities
to be surrounded by beaches. Hop the train to
Estoril (35 mins) or Cascais (40 mins,
pictured), but beware of the crowds—these
beaches are popular with tourists and locals
alike. Less busy, but also slightly further afield,
lies Praia de Adraga, one of the most beautiful
beaches in all of Europe.
The nightlife is bustling.
Lisbon is well known for its happening and inexpensive
nightlife. For bars, head to the Bairro Alto district—its
streets are densely packed with hotspots. The areas
around the Cais do Sodré and Largo de Santos are rife
with discos. And for a more old school vibe, hit up a
Fado club in the Alfama district. Fado, a type of
traditional Portuguese folk music popular in Lisbon, is
tuneful, though decidedly morose.
It’s great to travel.
Our wonderful location makes it
easy to be in any of the other
European capital just in a few
hours.
4. Sintra is
less than
an hour
away.
You can't visit Lisbon without making a daytrip to the municipality of
Sintra. Sintra is a 45-minute train ride outside of the city, home to a
UNESCO-listed complex of now-uninhabited former royal palaces. Pro
tip: While there are at least five major palaces to see, those short on
time would do well by only visiting two, the Sintra National Palace and
the Pena National Palace. You can get a combined ticket for entry to
both for about €20.
People are amazing.
Portugues are well-known
for their hospitality! We
are a very warm and
welcoming nation.
The food is delicous.
Portuguese cuisine is a seafood lover's dream.
The country’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
manifests in a menu heavy on fish dishes.
Traditional eats like bacalhau and amêijoas à
bulhão pato (clams in white wine sauce) are as
ubiquitous as they are tasty. Head to the famous
restaurant Cervejaria Ramiro to get your fill of
the best seafood Lisbon has to offer. For a sweet
treat, grab a pastéis de nata (custard tart).
The culture is very rich.
Lisbon is a very historic city, with lots of monuments
and museums. In addition to this, Lisbon is currently
hosting quite interesting events, such as Rock in Rio
Lisboa, international music festival Nos Alive, Lisbon
Fashion Week, Art & Film Festivals, Marchas
Populares, among many others.
5. Coming to Lisbon will also be an amazing experience as you will have a
direct impact on Portuguese society. We are currently going through
some serious issues in which you can leave your mark and help
contribute for a better country and quality life for those who live in
Portugal. You can do all this at the same time you develop yourself and
have a life-changing experience!
What are you waiting for? Come and Impact Portugal!
6. Ageing
Portugal is one of the most aged countries in the EU: 20% of the Portuguese
population is more than 65 years old. This is a serious problem because they are
left alone by their families (60% of the elderly population lives abandoned) and
are very lonely. Elderly people aren’t able to do their chores and 40% admit to
need some support, but most of them don’t have access to specialised help.
Plus, they have serious money problems and they often can’t afford medication,
being that 9,9% of Portuguese elderly people are below the poverty index.
7. The increasing rate of elderly population in Portugal is a reality,
therefore it is needed to provide these people an Active Ageing.
We need to improve their life quality, giving them health,
security and social participation opportunities. Project Ativa
arises in this context, providing a generational and cultural
exchange to young people, in programs of sociocultural
animation. It is intended that trainees participate in the activities
of the institution and implement new activities where they show
their culture, providing elderly with different moments in group.
Timeline
Realisation: 1st June – July
(6weeks)
Target Nursing homes
EP Requirements Required Portuguese Language
Number of opportunities 22
8. School droupout is a huge issue in Portugal: students don’t see the point of studying
and feel hopeless about the future. According to the last governmental report, the
school drop out rate, sits at 20,8% (region average is 12,8%).
It is very difficult for a young person to find a job in Portugal, the unemplyment rate
of people between 15 and 24 years is almost 3 times higher than unempoyment rate
of people in active age.The youth unemployment rate sits at at 37,7% (region
average is 23%).
School dropout/Youth Unemployment
Europe 2020 is a national strategy for a smart,
sustainable and inclusive grow for this decade.
Some of the national goals, related with this
issues, are to reduce the school dropout rate
for 10% and to increase employment to 75%.
9. This project aims to have na active role on fighting school
dropout and youth unemployment. We envision a Portugal
where the youth sees the value of education and has the
right attitude and skills to pursue a career in the field of
their choice. It is intended that trainees help kids to develop
skills as time management, team work and communication,
as well as how to develop concrete and reachable projects.
This will allowed them to define career plans based on what
they like, and not for social imposition.
Timeline Realisation: June –July and July-
August (6weeks)
Target Summer Camps
EP Requirements - Good English
Number of opportunities 25
10. Youth Obesitity
Youth obesity is an issue that has been
increasing in a great scale. It not only contributes
to severe physical problems (such as cholestrol,
diabetes, cardiovascular problems, etc), but also
has as impact in child’s mental health. Social
exclusion, bullying, low self-esteem, isolation and
weak school performance are some of the
consequences of poor nutrition and lack of
physical activity of today’s youth. According with
OMS statistics, there are 3 million cases of child
obesity and it is expected their Life Expectancy to
be lower than their parents’. Portugal is the
second country with more youth obesity in EU.
Statistics show that 90% of the children in
Portugal consume fast-food regularly, and only
1% drink water every day.
11. This project’s goal is to fight youth obesity by raising awareness
on kids, making them have a healthy alimentation and practicing
sports regularly. The trainees are intended to work with children
and sensitize them about this issues. We aim that Young
Portuguese population understands and is committed to change
its life-style habits in order to create na healthy society.
Timeline Realisation: October-November
(6weeks)
Target Basic Schools
EP Requirements Good English
Understanding of good nutrition
habits
Number of opportunities 22
