The Soroptimists of Tavira have undertaken an ambitious and meaningful project entitled “Developing Girls’ Knowledge, Cultural and Life Skills for a Better Future”. Running from November 2023 to September 2025, the initiative supports 25 young girls living in a social welfare institution in southern Portugal. Focused on education, health, and environmental sustainability, the project aims to empower these young women by nurturing resilience, cultural identity, and essential life skills.
At the heart of the initiative lies the Mediterranean Diet, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Tavira, a representative city for this heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for exploring the traditions, rituals, and values associated with this way of life. In partnership with local institutions – Fundação Irene Rolo, A Quinta, and the Centro de Bem Estar Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima – the Portuguese Soroptimists delivered a series of engaging, hands-on activities.
One of the project’s most impactful achievements was the creation of a bilingual cookbook, Feast of Algarve’s Memories, featuring 32 traditional recipes contributed by members of the Soroptimist International Club of Tavira. The cookbook not only preserves the region’s culinary heritage but also includes illustrations created by the girls, who participated in art workshops specifically designed to help them contribute creatively and meaningfully.
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Four major workshops were delivered throughout the year, each themed around different aspects of culture and tradition:
- Food and Health focused on nutrition, with visits to local markets, meal preparation, and a lecture on healthy eating.
- Drought and Rural Life addressed sustainability and the impact of water scarcity, including interactive activities on a working farm.
- Christmas Traditions explored festive rituals and encouraged the girls to begin illustrating the cookbook.
- Easter Experiences included a guided tour of Tavira’s historic sites and preparation of traditional Easter dishes.
Each workshop followed a holistic structure: visits, collaborative cooking, shared meals, and reflective discussions, creating an environment of trust, learning, and cultural appreciation. These gatherings allowed the girls to gain confidence, form connections, and consider their aspirations and future goals.
Additional related initiatives were developed based on the girls’ interests, including workshops on emotional wellbeing, daily routines, teamwork, sustainability, literature, and women’s health. These sessions aimed to equip the girls with practical tools for independence and personal growth.
The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. The young participants especially enjoyed the workshops held at the farm, their contributions to the cookbook, and the opportunity to cook and eat together. Two participants are now planning to pursue higher education, supported by the Soroptimists of Tavira.
With more than 800 volunteer hours and €9,369 raised, this project stands as a testament to the dedication of the Portuguese Soroptimists in creating lasting, empowering experiences for young women, helping pave the way for a more confident, capable, and hopeful generation.