It was through the Local Qualification Promotion Project, promoted by the Famalicão municipality, that Ângelo Carvalho learnt to read and write. At the age of 60, retired due to disability, he learnt about the project and decided it was time to learn to read and write. ‘I thought it would be an opportunity to keep active and occupy my time, but it was more than that,’ he says when asked about the importance of joining this initiative, which aims to stimulate learning and raise the skills of adults with few or no school qualifications.

Since April, 30 adults have been attending the project, which is promoted by the Vila Nova de Famalicão Municipality's Qualifica Centre, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), and which aims to prepare these adults to complete a basic level of education. 

‘When I came here I didn't know anything. Now I can write my full name, I can read a few words and I've learnt more about my rights and duties,’ adds Ângelo Carvalho. 

The classes are taking place in the parishes of Riba D'Ave, Joane, Ribeirão and Vila Nova de Famalicão with adults who are looking to improve their low or non-existent literacy skills. 

‘We promote learning using a variety of support materials such as texts, documents and graphics that are commonly used and present in their daily lives, so that they can learn quickly and feel motivated,’ explains Marisa Araújo, who accompanies all the classes in this project. In short, to promote and exploit competences in adults. And the results are very positive. ‘I've already visited a library, I had the opportunity to take part in a GNR awareness-raising campaign about the risks of the internet and I feel more fulfilled,’ Ângelo Carvalho also noted.

This project offers a practical approach, with interactive activities that encourage the development of language skills. Adults have the opportunity to take part in simulations of real-life situations, themed debates and collaborative activities, all designed to consolidate learning and promote empowerment and autonomy in society, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

‘It's a valuable project from the point of view of social inclusion and personal development, but it's also an important step towards community development,’ said the mayor, Mário Passos, adding that ’by investing in adult literacy, we're building a fairer and more prosperous future for everyone, in a municipality where we leave no-one behind.’

The Local Qualification Promotion Project is aimed primarily at adults with no schooling or with low levels of qualification, below the 9th grade, who are looking to obtain new qualifications at 4th grade, 6th grade or 9th grade level. The aim of the programme is to support 200 adults by the end of 2025.

Registration is free and can be done online or at any centre of the Vila Nova de Famalicão Qualifica Centre, or at the Camilo Castelo Branco, D. Sancho I, Padre Benjamim Salgado in Joane and Didáxis de Riba de Ave School Groups.