In March and April 2025, the LISTEN project assessed the civic engagement capacity of grassroots initiatives across Faro, Portugal.
Led by Contextos, the participatory process included interviews and focus groups with NGO leaders, community members, and youth, highlighting both the impact and challenges of local solidarity work.
The assessment showcased the strengths of the RedeMOVE network, an alliance of small organisations that have grown from informal collaboration to a structured ecosystem addressing inequality, youth exclusion, and cultural marginalisation. These organisations are deeply embedded in local communities, offering innovative services in mental health, youth leadership, and non-formal education, often filling gaps left by underfunded public systems. Yet, persistent barriers remain. Financial fragility, digital divides, limited mobility, and structural discrimination hinder long-term impact.
Read the full report here!