On September 12 at 11:30 a.m., a pioneering educational and social project was launched in Portugal, providing free participation to over 400 beneficiaries across the municipalities of Esposende, Barcelos, and Póvoa de Varzim.
The “Além da Sela” Project is an example of collaborative work between the educational system and a local social organization, fostering the enrichment of educational programs as well as the learning and skills gained and experienced by the school community.
With an innovative approach that combines horse riding with strategies for inclusion and personal development, the Clube Hípico do Norte (CHN) seeks to address three major social challenges that hinder equal opportunities.
Each of the programs was designed to address a specific social issue:
1. Intervene to Change: Social inclusion of people in vulnerable situations;
2. Inclusive Horse Riding in the Community: Risk of social isolation;
3. Galloping Toward Academic Success: School failure and dropout.
The project launch followed the schedule:
11:30 a.m. Reception
11:45 a.m. Tour of the facilities
12:00 p.m. Program presentation and speeches
12:30 p.m. Closing
The successful inauguration of this long-awaited project was made possible thanks to the support of the Fundação Belmiro De Azevedo, co-financing from Portugal Inovação Social and Norte 2030, and social investors Bovi, LISLIF, and Intacol.