“Associativism is extremely important; it signifies sharing and unity,” stated the minister in Leicester, where dozens of leaders from Portuguese organizations gathered today.
In addition to helping communities “not forget their roots,” he added, associations serve as a “space where the youth can take their first steps in active participation.”
José Manuel Fernandes, who was elected as a member of parliament for the Europe constituency, emphasized the significance of associations in teaching the Portuguese language and passing on traditions to the younger generation, as well as providing social support to prevent the marginalization of the elderly.
The minister recalled his experience of founding a youth association, a social center, and a folkloric group in Moure, Vila Verde at 23. He described Portuguese associations abroad as an “asset” for both origin and host countries.
José Manuel Fernandes expressed the government’s desire to strengthen existing training and funding programs for associations in Portuguese communities.
“However, often before financial support, it’s necessary to define objectives and have people working together,” he urged.
The event occurring today at Café Portugal in Leicester aims to create a Luso-British associative network and reinforce cooperation between community and institutional entities.
The initiative originated from the newspaper AS NOTÍCIAS, supported by the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities (DGACCP).
Out of 57 identified associations and entities, 49 were reported as active, filling all 22 available participation slots.
The participating associations, which include cultural, educational, sports, and commercial, represent a geographic diversity that spans from Leeds and Manchester in northern England to London, Wales, and the island of Jersey.
The program includes thematic panels on the legal, fiscal, and institutional framework for associations, training tools and leadership capacity, social action and community support, and financial support and sustainability for associations.
Lawyer Sónia Rola and accountant Sónia Xavier will explain the British laws governing associations and the fiscal and financial transparency obligations required by the UK tax authorities.
The president of the Portuguese Communities Council in Europe, Vítor Gabriel Oliveira, will discuss the importance of training and capacity building, digital tools, and the role of new generations.
A panel on social action and community support will feature contributions from the director of the UNFPA London office, Mónica Ferro, and the advisor for Portuguese communities, Pedro Xavier.
The president of Thetford Town Council and legal specialist consultant, Carla Barreto, will conduct an interactive session on sustainability and financial support. This will include information on specific DGACCP programs for the diaspora, non-repayable financial support, and British funding sources for community and cultural projects.
