A visit to Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre revealed a sanctuary offering essential housing, care, and support for girls and young women from across the Algarve.
With their commitment to nurturing these vulnerable individuals, the centre is now in urgent need of financial assistance to continue their vital work. A donation to the Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre will help improve the lives of the girls and young women in its care, but it also does something even more profound: it creates the possibility of a better future, not only for those living at the centre, but for generations to follow.
Located in the heart of Olhão, the centre provides housing and support for up to 30 girls and young women aged between nine and 21, many of whom have been placed there after the courts or social services determined they were not benefiting from a stable home life.
I had the pleasure of meeting 17-year-old Catia (not her real name), who has lived at the centre for three years. She is a remarkable young woman: thoughtful, articulate and considerate, she spoke with maturity, warmth and clarity about her experiences and her plans for the future. “It has been a very good experience for me living here,” she said. “I have grown as a person and as a human being.”
Understandably, when Catia first arrived at the centre, she found it upsetting to be living away from her family and friends. Thankfully, the transition was made a little easier because she already knew one of the girls living there. The kindness and support of the staff also helped her to settle. Led by Doctor Bruno Cantigas, the staff provide far more than a safe place to live. They offer care, structure, guidance and encouragement. The girls receive support with their studies and wellbeing, while also learning about nutrition, cooking, self-care and personal responsibility. They also take part in a range of social and educational activities designed to give them the skills and confidence for adult life.
A typical weekday for Catia begins with breakfast at 7.30 am before heading off to school. Catia has lunch at school and then returns to the centre mid-afternoon. She shares a room with another young lady, whom she describes as her best friend. Dinner is served at 7 pm and the evenings are taken up with leisure time, relaxation and, if needed, further study. All of the girls have to be in their rooms no later than 9.30 pm. Mobile phones are handed in for the evening, to be returned early the following morning.
As with many teenagers, Catia values her independence and social life, but any limitations that come with living at the centre are balanced by the stability, support and sense of belonging it provides. At weekends, there is greater flexibility, including time to spend with friends and family away from the centre.
Catia loves the sciences and reading. She is focused on gaining a place at one of Portugal’s leading universities before pursuing a career in the health sector. Her English is exceptional, which is something she credits to her mum, who once lived and worked in the UK. “My mum started teaching me English even before I was born. When she was expecting me, she would sing to me in English.”
The impact of the centre can be seen in the lives of those who have passed through its doors. One young woman has already gone on to university, something that would have been difficult to achieve without the centre’s help. Another former resident now works there, which is a wonderful testament to the care and support she received.
While the centre receives funding from social services, it’s not nearly enough to cover its running costs, so they are heavily dependent on the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Any financial support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. All donations are receipted and may also carry tax benefits.
Doctor Bruno and the team at the Our Lady of Fátima Social Welfare Centre do outstanding work. Their care, commitment and compassion are making a lasting difference to the lives of girls and young women who need support, guidance and hope. They’re shaping the lives of young women such as Catia, who will go on to have careers and may become mothers themselves, so it’s not solely the girls and young women in their care that they’re helping, but generations to follow.
Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Doctor Bruno Cantigas can be contacted directly at +351 968 300 593
www.fatima.pt/pt/locations/centro-bem-estar-social-senhora-fatima-olhao
