INTERVENTION WITH CHILDREN IN THE AZORES:

AN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROJECT IN THE MUNICIPAL CATL OF RIBEIRA GRANDE – THE NORTH BRIDGE

Abstract

In this text we present an educational and cultural project with children living in São Miguel, Azores. In daily life, they are in an institution belonging to the Network of CATL – Centros de Atividades de Tempos Livres – A Ponte Norte – Cooperativa de Ensino e Desenvolvimento da Ribeira Grande, CRL. It is a project involves 350 children (aged 3 to 12) and 35 employees responsible for 17 CATL rooms, distributed among 5 Private Social Solidarity Institutions, located in 14 parishes São Miguel – Azores. The main objectives of the project are: i) to promote equal socio-educational opportunities; ii) to encourage study, valuing school education; iii) to create conditions of sociability and cultural exchange that create well-being; iv) to promote recreational practices and cultural entertainment; v) to promote activities that recognize local heritage as part of cultural identity. The project focuses on culture, education, sport and art in order to provide new opportunities, experiences and learning, with a view to the children’s personal and social development and the construction of an Azorean identity.