'Enabling Dreams and Changing Lives': University of Coimbra launches IN4DREAM project

The University of Coimbra has launched the IN4DREAM project, developed in collaboration with the Coimbra Students Union [AAC - Associação Académica de Coimbra], to promote the development and academic success of pre-university students living in or attending TEIPs (Educational Territories of Priority Intervention).

IN4DREAM is an innovative project in Portuguese higher education aimed at "reducing academic and psychosocial difficulties and combating self-fulfilling prophecies among pre-university young people in more vulnerable contexts". UC students will provide mentoring, promote literacy and organise social innovation bootcamps for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds living in social institutions and/or attending TEIP schools in the municipality of Coimbra.

Cristina Albuquerque, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Attractiveness, emphasised the transformative impact of the initiative: 'This project aims to encourage dreams and transform lives. The idea is to neutralise negative expectations and self-fulfilling prophecies that often limit young people because of their family or social context. According to the Vice-Rector, the main objective is to promote a change of perspective. We have different holistic development activities that include socio-emotional, cultural, and active citizenship skills, showing them that they can change their own lives and the lives of those around them.'

AAC will remain close to these young people, identifying problems and proposing solutions. 'As young people, we can be part of the solution for other young people, acting closer and more effectively,' stressed the Vice-President of the General Directorate of AAC, Bruna Frederico, also highlighting the importance of projects such as IN4DREAM for the integration of future university students: 'By acting from an early age, we contribute to the success of those who will be part of our student community in the future.'

The presentation of the IN4DREAM project, which is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of Portugal's Social Innovation Programme, also included speeches by Luísa Bernardes, representing Portugal's Social Innovation Mission Structure in the Centre Region; Rosário Pinheiro, a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, who addressed the topic of "Self-Fulfilled Prophecies"; and Inês Rocha de Gouveia, Administrator of the Santander Portugal Foundation, also involved in the project as a "social investor".