On the 28th of November, the Municipality of Lagoa celebrated the International Day of the Educating City under the theme: “The Educating City as a Laboratory of Learning, Citizenship, and Social Transformation.”
The event brought together around 60 participants at the São José Convent Cultural Centre, including representatives from five municipalities in the Algarve, official entities, private social solidarity institutions (IPSS), and members of the school community.
The Regional Meeting of Educating Cities featured inspiring contributions, such as those from João Couvaneiro, Director of the Department of Pedagogical Innovation at Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, and Paulo Lima, Scientific Coordinator of the Casa da Cidadania de Lagoa. Both reflected on how every action and political decision represents an opportunity to learn and teach, promoting values of diversity and sustainability. The meeting also highlighted contemporary challenges that reinforce the responsibility of political action as a transformative tool.
In the second part of the event, ISMAT was represented by Professor Susana Leonor, Director of the Communication Design Bachelor's Degree, who presented the theme: “Creativity and Critical Thinking - 5 Practices for the Present and Future.” The talk emphasised the role of design in building innovative solutions and encouraging critical thinking, essential tools for tackling the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Lagoa School of Arts – Mestre Fernando Rodrigues, a space dedicated to artistic creation, learning, and reflection. This unique venue provides opportunities for exchange between professional artists, amateurs, and the community, reinforcing the importance of art as a means of connection and social transformation.
The event was a milestone in promoting the values of the Educating City, reaffirming Lagoa’s commitment to learning, citizenship, and innovation as pillars of a sustainable and inclusive society.
