The Municipality of Guimarães participated, on September 16th, in a session dedicated to the reception, integration, and social support responses for migrants and refugees. The initiative took place at the Sociedade Martins Sarmento, at the invitation of JEAD – Associação Digi-Cultural e Recreativa Jovens na Europa.
This session is part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU project “Language Learning and Cultural Integration Support Project for Migrants and Refugees”, in which JEAD, based in Guimarães, is the Portuguese partner. The project is coordinated by Kuşadası Halk Eğitimi Merkezi (Türkiye) and also includes participation from Training 2000 psc (Italy) and SAEK KAVALAS (Greece).
The international mobility “Artificial Intelligence”, hosted in Portugal by JEAD between September 15th and 18th, 2026, integrated this session, with partners from Türkiye, Italy, and Greece. Two technicians from the Divisão para a Coesão e Desenvolvimento Social do Município de Guimarães presented the responses developed in the municipality.
The work of the Local Center for Support to Migrant Integration (CLAIM) of Guimarães, active since 2010, was presented, highlighting its role in the reception, integration, coordination with local structures, and promotion of interculturality. Areas such as legalization, Portuguese language learning, employment, training, health, legal support, and cultural and recreational activities were addressed.
Furthermore, the work of Integrated Social Action was presented, showcasing the territorial organization model of the Integrated Social Assistance and Support Service (SAASI) of Guimarães and the framework of social support associated with the assistance and social support processes for individuals and families in vulnerable situations.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share knowledge about the responses developed in Guimarães, highlighting the coordination between CLAIM, SAASI, and other local entities in supporting migrants and refugees. The initiative also raised awareness of the work carried out in the municipality of Guimarães in the field of reception, integration, and social inclusion, based on proximity intervention and coordination between services.
