The Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labour, and Youth, Paula Margarido, visited the Vale de Acór Association in Almada to learn about a Portuguese model for the reception, treatment, and reintegration of individuals facing dependency, social exclusion, and homelessness.
Accompanied by representatives from the Madeira Social Security Institute and the Diocese of Funchal, the official was received by the association's founder, Father Pedro Quintela. The institution's history, founded in 1994, and its therapeutic and educational methodology were presented.
The visit included an overview of the institution's various social services, from outreach programs to reintegration apartments, all aimed at gradually restoring autonomy, dignity, and social integration. The method, inspired by the Italian 'Projecto Homem' model, employs a humanistic approach emphasizing personal responsibility, community living, and rebuilding family and social ties.
Discussions covered the potential for adapting this methodology to Madeira's specific context, considering the challenges of an island reality. Paula Margarido highlighted the value of studying consistent and effective experiences to inspire or complement existing regional services, stressing the need for innovation and learning from established, person-centered approaches.
