CITIZENSHIP school

The Citizenship School is a FREE Erasmus+ training programme designed for young people living in Portugal who want to understand their rights, make their voices heard, and actively participate in society.

It is particularly relevant for young people from international backgrounds who want to build confidence, develop new skills, and feel more connected and engaged in their local and European communities.

Perfect for internationals looking to connect, learn, and get more involved in the community.

This project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme and delivered by a European partnership of organisations working in youth empowerment, inclusion, and active citizenship.

Participation in the Citizenship School is free, but places are limited. Register now to secure your place!

What is the Citizenship School?

The Citizenship School is an in-person training programme that combines learning, discussion, practical activities, mentoring, and real-life civic action.

It supports participants to:

• Understand how democracy and participation work in Europe and in Portugal

• Learn about rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to get involved

• Develop confidence in communication, public speaking, and advocacy

• Meet others from international backgrounds with shared interests

• Turn ideas into action within their local communities

The programme uses non-formal, interactive methods — this is not traditional classroom learning. You will learn by doing, discussing, debating, and creating together.

Who is the Citizenship School for?

The programme is designed for:

• Young people aged 15–30

• People living in Portugal from international or multicultural backgrounds

• Students, volunteers, young professionals, or anyone interested in social or civic participation

• Anyone who wants to better understand their role in society and how to make a positive impact

You do not need previous political experience. Motivation, curiosity, and commitment are what matter most.

If you are over 30, you are still welcome to attend.

How does the learning work?

Sessions are interactive and include:

• Group discussions and debates

• Workshops and simulations

• Role-playing and problem-solving activities

• Creative and collaborative exercises

• Meetings with mentors and local community actors

You will not just learn theory — you will practice real skills and apply them to real-life situations.

Why join the Citizenship School?

By joining, you will:

• Gain confidence in your voice and ideas

• Better understand your rights and how to use them

• Build skills useful for work, study, and community involvement

• Meet other motivated young people from international backgrounds

• Become part of a European project focused on inclusive participation

This is a space to learn, connect, grow, and take action.

What happens after the programme

• Participants who complete the programme will receive a Youthpass certificate (EU recognised).

• After completing the training, participants will be invited to take part in a final debate to share ideas and perspectives.

• A number of participants will also have the opportunity to visit the European Parliament in Brussels in September 2026, gaining first-hand insight into how European decisions are made.

• The outcomes of this debate will be brought to Brussels and presented to decision-makers during this visit.

Project partners

The Citizenship School is delivered by a European partnership of organisations working in youth empowerment, inclusion, and active citizenship.

Partners from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Lithuania bring experience in non-formal education, civic participation, migration, and youth work. Together, they share knowledge and good practices to create a programme that reflects different European realities while focusing on common values such as democracy, participation, and inclusion.

This European collaboration ensures the Citizenship School is local in action, but European in vision.