"Semear Esperança” by Upfarming

The “Semear Esperança” project, promoted by Upfarming at the Leiria Prison (Youth Wing), counts on the support of the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation in the context of the “Parcerias para a Inovação Social” financial instrument.

Building on the transformative potential of urban agriculture, this project aims to create a space for learning and growth for young people deprived of their liberty, aged 16 to 25, encouraging the development of personal, social, and practical skills that contribute to more positive and sustainable life paths.

Taking a holistic approach that combines food literacy, community development, participatory ecology and well-being, the project runs a series of training workshops. These include “Oficina da Horta”, “Oficina da Horta para a Mesa”, “Oficina da Solidariedade Horizontal”, “Oficina Lifeshaker” and “Oficina Jurídica”. These activities aim to foster autonomy and responsibility, as well as an appreciation of collaborative work, and create concrete learning and preparation opportunities for the future.

As part of this partnership, the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation organised the “Direito ao Futuro” Legal Workshop in collaboration with VdA’s Investigations, White-collar & Compliance practice. The workshop was run under the motto "Ser sempre, Preparar, Recomeçar" (Always Be, Prepare, Start Again). The training aimed to strengthen legal literacy, clarify rights and duties, and better prepare these young people for life's challenges.

After all, educating, empowering and supporting also means sowing the seeds of opportunity for a different future.