"A Mile in My Shoes" was a 10-day Training Course held in Belgrade, Serbia, in March 2016. The project, coordinated by Agora Aveiro, brought together 22 young people from five countries to discuss inclusion and work with refugees. The participants organised a "Human Library" and the "Hooks of Kindness" action, which went viral in the Balkans. The training promoted new inclusion methodologies, creating a positive impact both locally and internationally.

The idea itself might look utopic but, at the end of the day, it’s pretty simple! With “Agora Beija-me” (“Now Kiss Me”) we created several “Kissing” and “Hugging Spots” throughout the streets of our city that would entice the boldest to kiss and hug someone special. Something so simple, but with the potential to brighten anyone’s day. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good hug?

With this project, we bring together the older ones and the youngest to share experiences, stories and moments. With “Agora Escreve-me” (“Now, Write to Me”) we fight the isolation and marginalization of the elderly and provide unique learning and growth opportunities to the children through the junction of the knowledge and experience of the grandparents’ lives with the energy and curiosity of the grandchildren. A project that alerts to the difference between realities between generations and promotes intergenerational solidarity.

“Being a grandpa is to be a second father, but more experienced and with more time”. In what is the most delicious project of Agora Aveiro, we brought together grandparents and grandchildren to an adventure in the kitchen. The concept was simple: the grandparents wrote their grandchildren’s favourite recipes and, to whet the appetite, the little ones illustrated them. Thus we created a recipe book and a short video, full of big smiles, with the grandmas and grandpas cooking with their grandchildren.

Did you know that toys stimulate creativity and imagination? That they allow children to build stories and explore new realities? Toys are a source of lasting memories that accompany a child’s growth. “Baú dos Brinquedos” (“Toy Chest”) was created to support Private Social Solidarity Institutions by bringing a little extra joy to the Christmas season. It does so by mobilising the community’s spirit of solidarity and sharing.

When was the last time you complimented someone or you yourself received a compliment from another? We live in a world where the hustle and bustle of the day to day and the life behind a screen dominate our own life and, more often than not, we value more when we are criticised or when we alone judge ourselves. The simple act of complimenting raises self-esteem, but also boosts our motivation. Compliments aren’t tied to “epochs” and never “get out of fashion”, so “Banca dos Elogios” decided to show up in the street, in a more vintage appeal, cheering up the days of those that passed by it.

What if when you entered a library you’d find people instead of books? Inspired by the international movement “Human Library”, the “Biblioteca Viva” is a platform for sharing stories and testimonies. A safe space where hard questions are expected, appreciated and answered. An informal and close environment that promotes dialogue, making the deconstruction of stereotypes and prejudice easier, approaching us to a more just and inclusive society.

"Build Homes, Not Walls" was an Erasmus+ Training Course coordinated by Agora Aveiro, bringing together young people from seven countries to reflect on inclusion, migration, and human rights. Using non-formal education methods such as the “Human Library”, “Theatre of the Oppressed”, and “Guerrilla Marketing” campaigns, participants gained practical tools to combat discrimination and foster more empathetic, inclusive communities aware of their role in social change.

At Agora Aveiro we believe that “great deeds start with small gestures”. The “Café Suspenso” (“Suspended Coffee”) is a project moved by the day to day kindness, by little actions that lead to big smiles. Visit one of our adherent establishments and leave a coffee paid, or something more. Anyone can later visit that store and cherish what you left “suspended”. It’s more than offering a coffee, it’s giving comfort and well being. The moment that transforms a bad day into a brighter one.

"I Love Aveiro: Cooking for Solidarity" promotes inclusion and cultural sharing through food. In a series of cooking workshops, immigrants and refugees living in Aveiro lead sessions where they teach recipes from their home countries and share their life stories. The project fosters intercultural dialogue, challenges stereotypes, and strengthens the sense of belonging, culminating in the creation of a recipe book featuring the diverse flavours that now form part of the city.

When volunteering meets innovation, opportunities for change are born. "DO STH NICE: Discover Opportunities, Seize The Hour & Never Ignore Creative Energy" was an European Voluntary Service (EVS) project that took place in the summer of 2016 in Aveiro, coordinated by Agora Aveiro. We hosted 6 volunteers from 5 countries (Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Latvia) who participated in and helped plan projects. The goal was to provide a learning space for the volunteers and the local community, promoting a more active and inclusive community.

The rush of daily routine makes cities a race of distant people. Eyes connect to technologies and there is no room for strange smiles, we live alone in the middle of a crowd. If before a hug could be a welcoming surprise, with the pandemic that was taken away from us. However, we can’t live without connection and affection, always finding a way to help others with what we have to offer, even if it’s a “Fist Bump” and a candy to brighten the palate and the day. In this project, we wandered through the streets of Aveiro and collected smiles and gratitude, ending the day with a heart full of love and empty bags of candy.

“Free Hugs” is the most accurate representation of what we call “Random Acts of Kindness”. A social movement where our volunteers, with their cardboard posters, held up high, offer hugs to strangers. Apparently simple, this gesture is capable of changing someone’s day, of bringing colour and joyfulness to anyone. Because the best place in the world is inside a hug, it is with that spirit that we bring our hearts full of love, happiness and comfort.

What makes a hero? “Heróis de Aveiro” (Heroes of Aveiro) tells the stories of those who, through their professional careers and acts of solidarity, make a daily difference in the lives of those around them. Because “not all heroes wear a cape”, firefighters, nurses, teachers, police officers, neighbours, family members, and friends become the true heroes of our community. This project pays tribute to the daily heroes and shows that each one of us can also be a hero.

“Home Away From Home” emerged in the context of the European migration crisis, aiming to support the integration of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. By empowering young volunteers, it brought together intercultural experiences from various countries, promoting dialogue and reflection on social narratives and diversity. The project challenged dominant discourses, strengthened civic competences, and raised awareness for inclusive coexistence.

"IncluCities: Youth Work & Activism for More Inclusive Communities" empowered young people and Youth Workers to improve the integration of migrants in urban settings. Through international training and mobility activities, good practices were shared and methods such as the “Human Library” were explored, fostering intercultural dialogue and the dismantling of stereotypes. The project strengthened the role of youth in building more inclusive communities.

Did you know that Portugal is the 4th country in the European Union with the highest number of people over the age of 65? It is essential to create initiatives that promote active ageing, combat loneliness, and encourage the involvement and inclusion of this age group in society. “Jogos Sem Idade” (“Ageless Games”) addresses this challenge through intergenerational activities that bring together older adults and young people, based on their shared interest in traditional games.

"LADS: Learners. Activists. Doers. Superheroes." was a 12-month volunteer project in Aveiro, which took place between 2019 and 2020, involving volunteers from France, Hungary, Italy, and Lithuania. The volunteers participated in social and educational activities, where they had the opportunity to work with migrants and the elderly. The project focused on the development of the volunteers' skills and the positive impact generated on the local community, promoting active citizenship and solidarity.

The ability to communicate with others is an invaluable asset. As the old saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” The “Language Exchange Meetings” are a public and open space dedicated to language learning. With this initiative, we encourage participants to learn a new language through practice and experimentation. The first step is quite simple, just say “Hello!”

“MAPS: Mighty Atlas of People and Stories” brought together 30 young people from six European countries for a 10-day Youth Exchange in Portugal, aiming to rethink borders, identity and belonging. Through non-formal education, participants explored personal and collective stories, deconstructing myths and prejudices. The project fostered critical thinking, diversity and intercultural dialogue, contributing to the creation of a “Mighty Atlas of People and Stories”.

What makes Christmas special? We brought together the little ones to answer this and other questions and thus “Natal de Palmo e Meio” (“Three-Quarters of Christmas”) was born. A short video in which we talked with our tiny rising stars about their Christmas traditions and habits. A project that makes the Christmas spirit grow and warm the hearts in an environment of joyfulness, well being, good disposition, jokes and innocence.

What can we achieve when creativity is at the heart of education? "PeeKaBoo: improving key competencies while working with children" was an 11-month European Voluntary Service (EVS) project that took place in Ílhavo, coordinated by Agora Aveiro and promoted by the Maternura association. Volunteers from Hungary and Romania participated, helping with activities involving children, from preparing healthy meals to art workshops and English lessons. The project focused on the personal and professional development of the volunteers through non-formal education methods.

In times of migration crisis, promoting understanding and solidarity is essential. “People beyONd Borders” was a project made up of a Training Course held in Belgrade in February 2018 and a 12-month European Voluntary Service (EVS) initiative. It involved young people from six countries who worked with refugees and organised storytelling events and guerrilla actions. The project aimed to combat discrimination, promote diversity, and strengthen personal and professional skills through non-formal education.

What if suddenly you found a red closet on the street? Would you stop to look at it? This is called Guerrilla Marketing. In “Precisas? Então, Leva!” (“Do you need it? Then take it!”) we make use of this powerful tool to raise social awareness to the needs of those more vulnerable. With the creation of a network of collection points for essential goods, in schools and shopping centres, we aim to aid local solidarity institutions in their support of families in need and homeless people.

In Portugal about 10 000 animals are abandoned per year and collection centres, kennels and animal associations don’t have the means and resources to give answers to this situation. With the “Projeto Au-Au” (“Woof-Woof Project”) we look forward to supporting local associations of animals in their mission, promoting their work. “Cãominhadas” (“Dog Walks”) throughout the city, collection initiatives of food and other goods and online talks with professionals are some of the activities we hold for our “doggos”!

Love is in the air in which is the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! With the “Valentino” project, we take on the role of Cupid to warm the hearts of the people of Aveiro. From cute boxes with roses spread around the streets, hugs and chocolates, to talks about more serious topics like toxic relationships, we bring something different and original every year.

"Solidarity Map of Aveiro" was a European Solidarity Corps project, part of the I Love Aveiro initiative, that promoted active citizenship through the creation of an interactive map showcasing local solidarity-based initiatives. By giving visibility to lesser-known projects, it encouraged volunteering, connected those willing to help with those in need, and strengthened cooperation networks, contributing to a fairer, more supportive and engaged city.

"Solidarity Superheroes" is a European Solidarity Corps project that offers learning opportunities within a major social solidarity centre in Aveiro. Young volunteers took part over 12 months, working with children, the elderly, and migrants, helping to address community challenges and strengthen social bonds. The initiative transforms volunteers into true “superheroes of solidarity”, promoting inclusion, connection, and lasting social impact.

"Voice of the Masters" was a European Solidarity Corps project that gave voice to the life stories of twelve elderly people from the Aveiro region. Over 12 months, five volunteers collected unique testimonies, turning memories into words and creating a collective book. The initiative promoted intergenerational dialogue, valued the wisdom of older generations, and strengthened empathy and community cohesion through active listening and the sharing of experiences.

"YALA! - Your Active Life in Aveiro" was a European Voluntary Service (EVS) project that, in 2015, brought four volunteers from Poland, Croatia, and Latvia to Aveiro. Over seven months, these volunteers helped organise activities at Agora Aveiro, such as workshops, guerrilla actions, and community events, as well as proposing and managing their own projects. The ultimate goal being to raise awareness of social issues, promote a more active community, and ensure lasting impacts through sustainable initiatives.

"YELLO! - Your E+ Lifetime Learning Opportunity" was an European Voluntary Serve (EVS) project, carried out in the fall of 2017 in Aveiro, under the Erasmus+ program. We hosted four volunteers from Latvia, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Serbia. These volunteers worked daily at the Agora Aveiro office, promoting active citizenship, inclusion, and creativity, while developing personal and professional skills through non-formal education methods.