Social Inclusion

Matosinhos stands out for its diversity and creativity, promoting a comprehensive approach to education, culture, and social inclusion. Through an innovative cultural policy, the city creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of age or background, strengthening community bonds and fostering economic and social sustainability.

Initiatives such as "Preserving Feminine Bonds" celebrate women aged 45 to 75 who have worked in the fishing and canning industries, reinforcing community ties, sharing life stories, and mitigating vulnerable situations. On the other hand, the Solidarity Market ensures access to food for disadvantaged families, encouraging solidarity among municipal market operators.

The city also uses gastronomy as a tool for social inclusion and cultural diversity celebration. Programs such as "Matosinhos Around the Table", promoted by ADEIMA, bring together people of different nationalities to share traditional dishes from their home countries, fostering healthy lifestyles and intercultural dialogue. Complementing this approach, the Local Plan for the Integration of Roma Communities (PLICC) invests in parenting skills development and promoting balanced nutrition.

A key initiative is the Capacity-Building Academy, reinforcing Matosinhos’ commitment to inclusion and professional development for the most vulnerable communities. This initiative promotes training and awareness programs, equipping residents with the skills to seize opportunities in the restaurant and tourism sectors, which are crucial to the local economy.

The academy includes activities such as:

• "Bringing Chefs to the Neighborhoods", featuring live cooking demonstrations that highlight fish-based and seasonal recipes.

• Programs focused on food literacy and the sustainable consumption of marine resources.

• The Matosinhos Restaurant Hackathon and the Ideation Program, which empower disadvantaged populations to develop entrepreneurial skills and explore opportunities in the tourism sector, culminating in project presentations to investors and partners.