PROJECT: “The Promotion of Social Cohesion and Inclusion”

Supported by: The Secretariat of State for the Portuguese Communities - DGACCP

In light of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto along with ‘Centro Abrigo,’ Saint Christopher House, Working Women, the Portuguese Mental and Addiction Services, the Luso Canadian Charitable Society, as well as the elected representatives from the Council of Portuguese Communities in Toronto, would like to set up two panel discussions regarding this project.  

The main focus of the project is to provide the Portuguese Community residing in Ontario ample knowledge regarding the various services that are available to them in hopes of bettering their quality of life and civil society in general.  This project will target Portuguese youth in particular, seniors, as well as individuals with disabilities and various other needs. In addition, the following ought to be taken into consideration:

• Every individual has the right to live in dignity and play an active role in society;
• Both the public and private sectors are equally responsible in the combat against poverty and social exclusion; 
• In order to eradicate poverty and build a more cohesive society, it is necessary that all levels of society get involved;
• Recognize that ‘socially excluded individuals’ have the right to and should play an active role in society;
• Highlight the fact that everyone is responsible in the fight against poverty;
• Promote social cohesion as well as efficient social inclusion practices; and
• Make sure that project participants commit to adopting more efficient practices.  

The European Commission designated 2010 as the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.  On the European Commission's website, one can find, among other documents, the Decision of the EU Parliament and Council [COM(2007) 797 de 12.12.97] with regards to this EU Year.  

For more information visit: 

http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=637


click here to view all the above information in Portuguese 

PROJECT: The Promotion of Social Cohesion and Inclusion

1- Project Organizer:

Consulate-General of Portugal in Toronto

438 University Ave, Suite 1400, Box 41

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2K8 Canada

Tel.: 416 217 0966

Fax.: 416 217 0973

E-mail: mail@toronto.dgaccp.pt

2- Participating Organizations: 

(See: column on right hand side)  

3-Project Dates:

Play titled: “Aging at Home” presented by Mulheres 55+

-Event took place on March 16th at the Consulate-General of Portugal 

click here to view event photos

A) Panel Discussion 

-May 6th from 9:30AM to 12:00PM at Casa dos Açores in Toronto

This panel discussion is open specifically to key members of all social support groups that assist the Portuguese-speaking community. Registration form

Program:

9:00 AM Guests sign in followed by distribution of supporting documentation

9:30 AM Welcoming speech by Casa dos Açores President - Sr. Carlos Botelho

9:35 AM Opening speech by Consul-General of Portugal in Toronto – Dr. Júlio Vilela (click here for copy of Dr. Júlio Vilela's opening speech)

9:45 AM Information Sessions:

• Fernando Gonçalves 
• Pensions
• Sonia Parker 
• Vital Statistics:
• Succession Affidavits
• Last Will and Testaments 
• Birth Registrations
• Carlos Feliciano
• Powers of Attorney 
• Notary Matters
• João Rodrigues
• Health Insurance and Support for Travelers

10:45 AM Coffee Break

11:15 AM Discussion

12:00 PM End of event, followed by a buffet lunch at Casa dos Açores 
Registration required
Registration limit– 40 people. 
Registration deadline– APRIL 30th

B) Panel Discussion

November 13 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Novotel in Toronto

Program for this project is in progress and will be available shortly. 

This panel discussion will be open to the Portuguese community in general - Registration is mandatory.  (Registration is free for all those interested) Registration forms will be available soon online.   

4- Main objectives of this project:

• The purpose of this project is to discuss and inform the resident Portuguese community in Ontario (in particular seniors, youth and people living with disabilities) about the various services that are available to them, in order to improve their quality of life.  
• This Project also seeks to develop joint dialogue as well as to propose key initiatives that will be aimed at assisting the most ill-favored individuals with a strong emphasis on equal opportunity and social cohesion in our community.
• This project will have two target groups – the first, (key individuals from various social organizations) on May 6th and the second, (the Portuguese community in general) in November 2010.

5- Project goals and proposed actions:

• To set up an information forum from which the Consulate, and various organizations that work with the Portuguese community can work from.  
• Improve support/care for senior citizens
• To develop strategies aimed at making various social services more accessible to those who require them.
• To promote better living standards for seniors and individuals with disabilities. 
• To develop dynamic activities geared at bringing about awareness of social inclusion and cohesion issues.  These issues can hopefully be resolved by  existing Portuguese community organizations.  
• To support local social programs, both current and upcoming, in accordance with the needs of the Portuguese community.
• To maximize the involvement of various groups that work with the Portuguese community to ensure the overall success of this project.   
• To hold preparatory meetings for the consecutive panel discussion to be held in November (between the project organizer and participating organizations) in June, September and October. 

December: Final Report of Project

click here to view this project in Portuguese 

European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion - Ano Europeu de Luta contra a Pobreza e a Exclusão Social

Europe Joins Forces to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion

Living in poverty may result in a variety of problems, from not having enough money to spend on food and clothes to suffering poor housing conditions and even homelessness. Poverty also means having to cope with limited lifestyle choices that may lead to social exclusion.

Inspired by its founding principle of solidarity, the European Union has joined forces with its Member States to make 2010 the European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The key objectives are to raise public awareness about these issues and renew the political commitment of the EU and its Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion.

For more information visit: 
http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu/about/?langid=en

click here for Portuguese version

The new blog regarding social inclusion also on Twitter

Don't miss this new blog now under construction.   It will be available soon.

This initiative has the support of the Portuguese Government through the Direcção Geral dos Assuntos Consulares e das Comunidades Portuguesas (DGACCP).

You can also find us on Twitter