ASSOCIAO MEDESTU

description of organisation

Life is bringing more and more challenges for young people, such as unemployment, terrorist attacks,
refugee crisis, violation of human rights, intercultural misunderstanding in a very diverse world.

Our mission is to encourage and support youth active citizenship and participation, especially youngsters with fewer opportunities, by empowering them through non-formal education based on a self-directed learning process.

In this sense, MEDesTU Association promotes and develops cultural, social, educational, recreational and sports initiatives, while actively deconstructing stereotypes and prejudices.

Our goals are:
1) At local/national level: to contribute to a better informed Portuguese society in the matters of the Arab and Islamic world, but also towards the Moorish heritage in Portugal.
2) At regional level (civil society - citizens and NGOs): to promote cooperation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, encouraging integration and sense of belonging in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
3) At international level: advocate the peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, encouraging young people to involve themselves actively in the process, as part of the solution.

Principles and values to promote: Active and participatory citizenship; Participation of young people; Democracy; Human Rights and human rights education; Rule of law; Political and institutional context; History and memory; Justice; Gender equality; Interculturalism, intercultural learning and dialogue; Diversity and minorities; Religion and tolerance; Peace; Creativity to resolve conflicts; Strengthening of youth policies; Development of leadership skills and entrepreneurship; Respect for the environment.

Some regular activities: Multimedia, External communication, Logistics, Fundraising (Create projects within Erasmus+ Programme and European Solidarity Corps, with support from the organisation), Linguistic workshops, Accounting, Public Relations by disseminating at a school or university opportunities and our experience and the impact of international projects, such as Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps.
Until 2021, we’ll be national coordinator for the Anna Lindh Foundation network, which require specific tasks.

MEDesTU is a nonprofit youth association founded on 30th October 2013 in Porto, Portugal. Our multicultural team meets regularly and each member works on a voluntary basis according to its own schedule and the association goals.

Volunteering project