Thank you all for coming. It is with great pleasure that the Portuguese team (students, teachers, school management) welcomes you to our school, our region and our country.

The "Urban Monsters" project, funded by the European Union, aims to raise awareness of what contributes to the decline in the quality of urban life, in other words, the quality of life of all of us.

For this mobility, it was agreed that the theme would be Democracy. Throughout this week we intend to emphasize the importance of participatory citizenship in building

democracy.

We mustn't forget that today's democracy is the result of the actions of citizens over time and that tomorrow's democracy will depend on the actions of each and every one of us. Each and every one of us!

Let's be participatory citizens! Let's not allow ourselves to be divided by social strata or political orientations. Take risks, don't be afraid to fail! Try, don't give up, don't leave

the solutions in the hands of others because you have an opinion and want to be part of the solution and not the problem.

That way, we can all fight the "Urban Monsters" that threaten our quality of life, our freedom and democracy!

I wish you all an excellent week full of enriching experiences and may this mobility stay in your memory and in your actions.

Ana Paula Alexandre

(Erasmus+ Coordinator)

Throughout this week, Agrupamento de Escolas de Parede welcomed students and teachers from countries such as Germany, Spain, Finland and Italy - all participating in the "Monsters of Urban Life" project under the Erasmus+ programme.

Yesterday, the AEP Board and the teachers involved in the project attended a dinner at the Fernando Lopes Graça School. President Nuno Alves and Member Carolina Melo, from the executive of the Carcavelos and Parede Parish Council, attended the event, which was a time for socialising, sharing experiences and lots of music with the band "Orq'Graça".

I hope you're all well and ready for the exciting journey ahead of us. Today, as we gather, I want to ask a question that goes beyond words and touches the essence of our shared experience: "Have you ever stopped to think how taking a step into the unknown can open the door to a world of possibilities?"

Each of you brings a unique story, a distinct past and a wealth of experiences to share. Today, we're not just welcoming guests; we're embracing the opportunity to learn from each other, broaden our horizons and create connections that span continents.

This week, we're diving into some very interesting topics. Firstly, have you ever thought about the power of your vote? We're exploring the importance of voting and navigating the political landscape in a world where extremist parties are on the rise. It's like learning to navigate the urban jungle of politics!

But it's not all serious business. We're also taking a global perspective, checking out our world and what each of the six countries in this project is doing about the climate crisis. Sustainability is the name of the game, and you'll be able to see first-hand the efforts being made across borders.

Erasmus isn't just a project - it's a peek into your future. It's a crash course in understanding the world and preparing yourself for what's to come.

Most importantly, it prepares you for a week full of fun, laughter and new experiences. You'll make friends from all over the world, and, by the end, you'll know a lot more about our country, Portugal.

My best wishes for you all? An incredible week and memories that will last forever. And if you ever feel lost or confused, I'm just a message away. Don't hesitate to contact me!