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DREAM SCHOOL ACTION

Salvaterra de Magos, Portugal

Notes

During the camp period, temperatures are usually high. Volunteers are advised to wear light clothing, use a hat or cap, sunscreen and bring a reusable water bottle to ensure proper hydration throughout the day.

In partnership with

DREAM SCHOOL ACTION is an International Workcamp focused on youth volunteering in a school context, in partnership with the Salvaterra de Magos School Cluster. The camp aims to improve and enhance school outdoor and common spaces, contributing to safer and more welcoming educational environments for children and young people through the voluntary work of international volunteers.


Description of the Work

1- Cleaning and Maintenance of School Spaces:
Cleaning and organizing school buildings, outdoor areas and common spaces, including playgrounds, courtyards and circulation areas used daily by students and staff.
2- Improvement of Outdoor and Recreational Areas:
Repairing, painting and maintaining outdoor school furniture such as benches, tables and play structures; organizing and improving recreational areas to make them safer, more functional and welcoming for children and young people.
3- Maintenance of School Gardens and Green Areas:
Basic maintenance of school gardens and green spaces, including pruning plants and shrubs, removing weeds and leaves, and contributing to a clean and well-kept educational environment.
4- Support in Space Organization:
Assisting in the organization and preparation of indoor and outdoor school spaces, particularly in preparation for the new school year, ensuring functionality, safety and accessibility.
5- Support to the Educational Community:
Collaborating with the school community in maintaining a positive and welcoming environment, reinforcing respect for shared spaces and promoting a sense of collective responsibility.
All tasks will be carried out in close coordination with the School Cluster management and camp leaders, ensuring safety, organization and respect for the daily functioning of the educational environment.


Accommodation & Food

Volunteers will be accommodated at INATEL Pavilion in Salvaterra de Magos. Accommodation is in a shared open space, without separated rooms, with male and female volunteers sleeping in the same area. Bathroom facilities are separated for male and female volunteers. Mattresses are provided; volunteers must bring a sleeping bag. Food is provided by the organisation. Breakfast is prepared individually by volunteers. Dinner is cooked by volunteers on a rotation basis. Lunch is usually prepared by the organisation. Cleaning and organisation of the space are done by volunteers together with the camp leaders. During weekdays, the space is shared with children, young people and other monitors.


Location & Leisure

The camp takes place in Salvaterra de Magos, a picturesque town located in central Portugal, in the district of Santarém. The area is predominantly rural, characterized by agricultural landscapes, green fields and the proximity of the Tagus River, which contributes to a calm and pleasant natural environment. Despite its tranquil setting, Salvaterra de Magos benefits from good connections to nearby urban centres, allowing easy access to services and transport networks.
The location offers an ideal balance between nature and accessibility, providing a peaceful environment suitable for outdoor activities, social interaction and cultural exploration. The town includes essential local amenities such as small shops, cafés and community spaces, ensuring volunteers have the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay.
Geo-referencing coordinates: 39.0273° N, 8.7942° W


Appointment

Go to Lisbon Train Station (Oriente)
On foot or metro: From Lisbon Airport, you can take the Metro (Red Line) directly at the Airport station and continue to Oriente Station (only 1 stop
At Oriente Station, take a CP - Comboios de Portugal train on the line that goes to Vila Franca de Xira. The train journey between Estação Oriente and Vila Franca de Xira takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Arrival at Vila Franca de Xira Station
When you arrive at Vila Franca de Xira Station, you will need to take the last part of the route to the Salvaterra de Magos Municipal Sports Pavilion.


Host Organization

IPDJ or Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude is a governmental organization that has the task to implement in the whole national territory and at international level the youth policy. The PORTUGUESE SPORTS AND YOUTH INSTITUTE (IPDJ), results of the fusion in 2012, and succeeds in all the powers and obligations, of public bodies in the area of sport and youth, in particular the Portuguese Sport Institute, the Portuguese Youth Institute, the Foundation for the Dissemination of Information Technologies and MoviJovem (Youth Hostels and Youth Card). IPDJ is widespread in the whole continental territory, with presence in the 5 regions (North, Center, Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve) and their 18 district capitals. We have 8 areas of intervention as we develop several national programs about it – support youth organizations, citizenship and participation; health and healthy lifestyles, studies on youth; Non-formal education, social inclusion and gender quality and innovation and entrepreneurship and employment. At International level we have several youth actions. We are a member of CCIVS and we have been an active partner on International Workcamps (especially through SCI) more than 30 years till now (as ex-IPJ). https://programasjuventude.ipdj.gov.pt/