Aga Khan Foundation Invests in Inclusion and Innovation in Lisbon’s Most Vulnerable Communities

Following the application submitted to Investment RE-C03-i06 – Integrated Operations in Disadvantaged Communities in the Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon and Porto, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal has undertaken the implementation of four projects within the framework of the Local Integrated Operation covering the territories of Lumiar, Marvila, and Santa Clara. These projects aim to promote inclusion, social cohesion, and sustainable development in these communities, and will run for three years, from January 2023 to December 2025.

1. Balcão do Bairro (Neighborhood Desk), was born out of the experience of providing direct support to local communities during the pandemic and seeks to consolidate a proximity-based service space, accessible in different formats – in person, digital, and mobile. Through this desk, citizens receive support in matters related to documentation, nationality, and access to public services, avoiding multiple trips and benefiting from integrated assistance. Furthermore, it promotes digital inclusion by providing access to computers and the internet, as well as training local mediators who directly support the community. This initiative fosters employability, active citizenship, and the creation of community-driven solutions tailored to urgent local needs.

2. Bandim, is part of the culture and creativity axis. It invites the community to actively participate in artistic creation processes. The project focuses on the ideation of creative products and projects, valuing artisanal techniques and cultural heritage as drivers of innovation. At the same time, it promotes sustainability through green and circular economy practices.

3. Bytes4Future & WorkPackage, aims to equip young people and working adults with digital skills, fostering inclusion, innovation, and employability through digital transition initiatives that promote empowerment and digital inclusion. The project is structured in two programs: (1) a digital upskilling and reskilling program in programming (Junior FullStack Developer); and (2) digital skills workshops for digital transition and employability in the digital era.

4. Participatory Diagnostics and Community Innovation Projects, engages citizens in identifying challenges and opportunities in their territories through thematic competitions (open calls), enabling groups or organizations to propose innovative solutions for local issues. Participants receive support throughout all phases – from design to evaluation – ensuring both impact and sustainability. This approach strengthens active citizenship, community organization, and the creation of responses tailored to the specific needs of Marvila, Lumiar, and Santa Clara.

Together, these four projects reflect the commitment of the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal to strengthening the communities of Lumiar, Marvila, and Santa Clara. Through an integrated approach that combines social support, culture, training, and civic participation, the initiative seeks to create real opportunities for inclusion, local development, and social innovation, promoting solutions adapted to the specific needs of each territory while fostering active citizenship and community cohesion.