Expanding our community has always been one of our main goals. To achieve this, one of our initiatives is to strengthen connections with other spaces in the city of Coimbra and its surroundings. With a vibrant cultural life, the city attracts students, immigrants, and visitors from all over the world. Coimbra never “sleeps” and offers a vast range of options: from cultural expressions originating from different countries to music, gastronomy, and exhibitions that enrich daily life.
The “Águas da Azenha” community aims to create a unique space where shared values and diversity coexist harmoniously. While shared values provide a solid foundation for mutual understanding and collective purpose, diversity brings varied perspectives, ideas, and experiences, fostering innovation and empathy. Together, these characteristics create an inclusive environment where participants can build genuine connections and find opportunities for mutual learning and growth. It is within this balance that we seek to establish a harmonious and resilient community.
Through the Facebook group “International Coimbra – Immigrants in Coimbra,” we have managed to expand our activities to various locations in the city. Our goal is to bring together those who have participated in events on Rua do Quebra Costas at other locations, broadening the possibilities of engagement. Currently, we have 439 members in the group, people from different parts of the world, and our goal is to reach 500 participants by the end of the month.
Last Saturday, the meeting point was a “Forró” dance class. The event brought together members with strong ties and values aligned with those of the community, whom we call partners. Ruth Abraham, the founder and leader of the community, has been dedicated to growing this project. Despite the challenges of working alone, the results have been rewarding, and the initiative is gradually growing.
This month, we introduced a schedule filled with new events, including the launches of “Your Story, My Story” and “Language Exchange,” along with the traditional “Writers Night” and “Friday Café.” Our meetings are scheduled as follows:
- 04.04, 11.04, 18.04, 25.04 – Friday Café
- 05.04 – Writers Night
- 19.04 – Language Exchange
- 26.04 – Your Story, My Story
Additional events may be included throughout the month, and we will provide timely updates about each of them.
We are grateful for everyone who has participated in our events and Friday gatherings. We look forward to continuing to build a special space for everyone.
