Study visit Portugal

Author Predrag Kovačević

Published on: 23. July 2026.

From 13 to 17 July 2026, staff members and associates of the PRONI Centre for Social Education took part in a study visit to Portugal, a country where, during five intensive days, we had the opportunity to explore different models of working with young people in the community, discover inspiring initiatives and meet people who create safe spaces for young people every day.
Our partner organisations, Synergia from Braga and ProAtlântico – Associação Juvenil from Lisbon, designed the programme of the visit together with us and other organisations, responding specifically to our learning needs and interest in exchanging experiences. And the result? A programme that took us through Porto, Braga and Lisbon and opened the doors to numerous organisations, institutions and initiatives.
We learned about the work of eight youth organisations using different approaches to inclusive youth work, visited student initiatives and organisations working in the fields of science, sustainable development and solidarity projects, explored the work of the Institute for youth and sport as well as the Metropolitan Area model focused on youth policies, got a glimpse into the everyday work of the largest youth centre in Portugal, and met volunteers who had previously been part of the European Solidarity Corps in our organisation.
But study visits are not only about the places we visit and the information we collect.
They are about the people we meet. The questions we ask. The ideas that surprise us. The conversations that continue long after the meeting is over. And, most important, the new perspectives on youth work and potential partnerships that we take home with us.
We are returning from Portugal richer in knowledge, experiences and contacts, but also with even more questions and ideas about how we can work together to create better opportunities for young people in our communities. Because when we learn from one another, borders become less important.
And good ideas become even bigger.

A big thank you to our partners Synergia and ProAtlântico for an excellently designed programme, their warm hospitality and all the encounters that made this week truly special.