Based in Olhão, the centre provides shelter and support to girls and young women.
“With many of the girls, it’s about giving them a sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many have grown up in environments where they have been exposed to domestic violence, alcohol, drugs, crime and prostitution. We aim to show them a different side of life and give them the skills for a better way of living”
– Sofia Camarada.
Located in the heart of Olhão, the Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre provides housing and support for children and young women aged from three years up to 21 years of age, all of whom have been placed there because the courts or social services felt they were not benefitting from a suitable homelife with their immediate families.
Sempre aberto, (always open) is stated on the Facebook page. And that’s exactly what the Centro de Bem Estar Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre) is – it’s always open, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
On arrival, I’m welcomed by social educator Dr Noelia Martins and teacher Sofia Camarada. Together with their colleagues, who include a social worker, psychiatrist, educational assistants, drivers, cooks, laundry and cleaning staff, and administrators, they support the 21 girls currently in their care. Sofia explained, “The girls live on-site and, depending on their age, will sleep in dormitories or have a room of their own. With many of the girls, it’s about giving them a sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, they will have grown up in environments where they’ve been exposed to domestic violence, alcohol, drugs, crime and prostitution. We aim to show them a different side of life and give them the skills for a better way of living.”
In addition to accommodation, the girls benefit from help with their studies and general wellbeing. They’re taught about nutrition, how to cook and care for themselves, and they benefit from a range of social and educational activities, including visits to local museums, theatres and beaches, with summer and Christmas parties.
As a social educator, Noelia provides a bridge between the centre and schools, helping to ensure the girls are settled and supported. This is particularly important as they take in children from all over the Algarve, so when they arrive at the centre, it means not only a new home but also a new school. Sofia helps them with their studies across the whole breadth of the curriculum and supports a range of social and educational activities. “Working here is an opportunity to change lives. To open up new opportunities for the girls and change their futures,” reflects Noelia.
Social services fund the running of the centre, but it’s also reliant on the help of local businesses and people. The local Continente store provides twice-weekly free food packages and a local pastelaria does similar. Local tradesmen help out at reduced rates, and attractions such as ZooMarine Algarve and Aquashow Waterpark provide an annual day and help with building outside recreational areas for the girls. With the support of the local police and a nearby McDonalds, it’s a community effort.
My visit was a humbling one. Sofia and Noelia, along with their colleagues, do outstanding work, and they make such a difference in the lives of so many girls who need a helping hand. What they do today – changing lives – will resonate for years to come and also in the here and now. One girl, who was once in the care of the centre, has returned and now works there – what a testament that is to the help she received. Fantastically, for the first time since the centre was founded, one of the girls is studying at university, an almost inconceivable scenario had she not have received help from the Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre.
Any help you can provide to the centre would be greatly appreciated. Fresh linen, clothing, board games, blankets and financial donations are always welcome. Please see the contact details below.
+351 289 703 115
www.fatima.pt/pt/locations/centro-bem-estar-social-senhora-fatima-olhao
