Lighthouse, based in Portimão, promotes success in education
It is very heart warming and uplifting when you meet young people who are really trying to make a difference.
This was the case when Portugal Charity Networking met Dara Norte and Breno Araújo at a recent event. They were there to represent Lighthouse Portugal, based in Portimão.
Lighthouse was established in 2022 as a project for kids and teens, along with the participation of young adults acting as volunteers and mentors. The aim of Lighthouse is to promote success in education and to combat the school dropout rate in the Algarve, which sadly is one of the highest in Portugal.
This relatively new NPO is currently surviving with the receipt of smaller local government subsidies annually. However, this is a tenuous situation as the subsidies vary greatly and may not even be forthcoming, being very much dependent on the borough’s budget.
Lighthouse has received a few donations from companies which have helped them remain afloat, but they do not receive regular financial support. All the while their focus is to reach IPSS status, with proper funding from central government.
It is exciting for Portugal Charity Networking to hear of their aspirations for 2025 and to share them with you here:
- “Find corporate or private benefactors willing to commit to fixed monthly donations that cover overhead expenses such as rent, staff, educators, and utilities.”
- “Resume our fund-raiser campaign for a van – new or semi-new: vehicles older than eight years old can no longer be used by NPOs, clubs, IPSS, etc, to transport minors and we need a van to transport children from outlying schools or to take them on discovery field trips or fun outings.”
Dara and Breno shared their other requirements with us. These items were not included in their budget as they were aware that they would not have sufficient income. To receive any of these items or financial assistance to acquire them would be a “great relief” to Lighthouse.
- “A heavy-duty dehumidifier – self-explanatory for those living in the Algarve.”
- “A couple of low-energy consumption space heaters or, preferably, an 18k BTU split A/C unit to be installed in the Youth Club main area – the place we rent has got pre-installation, meaning it’s mainly hanging indoors and outdoors units and connect to power, no need for brick-and-mortar work. A certified installer is required, though, due to current A/C floron gas-handling laws.”
- “A new laptop for our staff, mainly our social educator who works daily with our young people.”
Non-monetary aspirations and requirements for Lighthouse are to have more volunteers, ideally with an education background, who can donate one day/three to four hours each week to help with homework and personal development activities – consistency is key with pre-teens and teens, and the biggest subject difficulties are in Portuguese, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
You will all be aware that “education, education, education” is the way forward to ensuring a better future for young people in Portugal, as well as bringing those already in poverty out of poverty. This is something which Portugal Charity Networking talks of frequently.
If you, or anyone you know, can assist in any way, please contact: info@lighthouseportugal.org or visit www.lighthouseportugal.org
By PORTUGAL CHARITY NETWORKING
