Portuguese municipalities launch summer programs for over 850 children

The municipality of Sousel in Portugal opened its summer holiday program on 6 July, offering activities for more than 200 children and young people aged 6 to 14. The initiative, part of the local social development contract, operates across the four parishes of Sousel, Cano, Casa Branca and Santo Amaro and is staffed by over 40 monitors and coordinators. Activities include sports, cultural and educational events designed to keep youngsters engaged during school breaks.

In the nearby city of Castelo Branco, a separate municipal program serves 652 children and youths, supported by 78 professionals. Running until 31 July, the scheme provides age‑specific activities—from preschool playgroups to sports and cultural clubs for teens—as well as an environmental volunteer project, “Guardians of the Forest and Nature,” involving 46 young volunteers.

Both programmes aim to support families by offering safe, structured recreation throughout the summer holidays.