Summary:
10 innovative community projects presented at the VIII Encontro de Autarcas in Algarve.
João Carlos Simões emphasized the small investments leading to big impacts in communities.
New communication strategy launched for better engagement with local parishes.
José Apolinário called for territorial cohesion to improve quality of life.
Legislative progress towards increasing the number of parishes in Algarve from 67 to 76.
Highlights from the VIII Encontro de Autarcas
On March 7, the Regional Delegation of Algarve from the National Association of Parishes (ANAFRE) hosted the VIII Encontro de Autarcas in São Brás de Alportel. This year's event marked a significant milestone as it featured the presentation of 10 impactful community projects.
Overwhelming Interest
The enthusiasm from local parishes exceeded expectations, leading to a limited selection of 10 projects showcased during the event.
Keynote Insights
In his opening remarks, João Carlos Simões, regional coordinator of ANAFRE Algarve, emphasized that these projects require small investments yet yield substantial benefits for communities, promoting equality of opportunities, inclusion, and skill development. He noted that the true strength of these initiatives lies in their customization to meet local needs, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among residents.
Municipal Support is Essential
Simões pointed out the crucial role municipalities play in supporting these initiatives, as the funding provided by the state barely covers ongoing expenses. He highlighted the upcoming local elections, where approximately 68% of Algarve parishes will see new teams formed, presenting both challenges and opportunities for community development.
New Communication Strategy
He also unveiled a new communication strategy for ANAFRE Algarve, which includes new Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages to better serve local parishes, along with the launch of an annual magazine aimed at promoting the work of each parish.
Call for Cohesion
In the closing session, José Apolinário, president of the CCDR Algarve, urged local leaders to advocate for territorial cohesion, stressing that this is not a political issue but a matter of improving quality of life.
Celebrating Innovation
Jorge Veloso, president of ANAFRE's Directive Council, praised the innovative nature of the meeting and congratulated the local leaders for their active engagement with citizens.
Legislative Progress
He also celebrated the recent parliamentary approval for the disaggregation of 135 parish unions, which, if enacted by the President, will increase the number of parishes in Algarve from 67 to 76, addressing past injustices faced by these communities.
Featured Projects
Under the theme ‘Valuing Parishes and Local Power’, the following 10 projects were presented:
- ‘O PT vai a Casa’ – JF de Portimão, Maria da Luz Nunes
- ‘Ferragudo Digital’ – JF de Ferragudo, Luís Alberto
- ‘Férias Desportivas’ — JF de Pechão, Paulo Salero
- ‘Quarto Minguante - Clubes de Teatro do 1.º ciclo’ — UF Querença, Tôr e Benafim, Margarida Correia
- ‘Recolha de Águas Pluviais em Escolas’ – UF Faro, Bruno Lage
- ‘Dinamização do Espaço Comunidade” – JF de São Brás de Alportel, João Rosa
- ‘USO - Universidade Sénior de Olhão’ – JF de Olhão, Rui Gabriel
- ‘Gabinete de Apoio ao Emprego e ao Empreendedorismo’ — JF de Vila Real de Santo António, Valentim Santos
- ‘Projeto GOTA’ – JF de Aljezur, Eugénio Arez
- Candidatura Nacional do ‘Bolo de Tacho’ — JF de Monchique, José Gonçalo
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