General information

Covilha is a city situated in the north-east of Portugal in proximity to the country’s highest mountain range. It has a population of 250,000 inhabitants and is the focal point for thirty one neighboring villages and districts with an overall population of 70,000. Historically the city’s economy was centered around the textile industry but this has largely declined, leaving the local economy with a major task of renewal. Despite the fact that the city faces a significant level of unemployment it has several assets. For example, the agricultural sector remain economically important. The city also benefits from the presence of the University of Beira Interior with over 6000 students. A recently developed technological and scientific park, Pakauribis supports new important opportunities and provides important opportunities for the establishment of new businesses by young graduates of the university. Finally, the nearby mountains offer opportunities for expanding both summer and winter tourism.

Challenges

1. Modernizing its economic base and developing new technology- based activities 2. The relatively high number of pensioners 3. Improving the quality of housing and to develop social housing to answer the needs of younger generations

Coordination group (Local Support Group)

The Local Support Group of Covilha was created on the basis of the Social Network of Covilha, which includes different actors of social work, representatives of local authorities, security forces, NGOs, educational establishments. To the tasks of this Social Network belongs also among the others fighting poverty and social exclusion. The Executive Council has taken the functions of the Local Support Group. The Executive Council consisted of 8 members: representatives of the local authorities, school, social institution, rural development institutions, NGOs dealing with social matters and volunteers.

Local Social Cohesion Action Plan

The Municipality has developed a Local Social Action Plan which has been prepared in consultation with a range of professionals and agencies across the district. The action plan deals with housing, health, education and training, as well as with senior citizens. For example, the municipality has launched a social and leisure card for people aged over 60 and for those with a disability, which ensures they have free public transport, reduction in water rates and gas charges, free access to cultural events and sports organized by the municipality. The social supermarket has also been set up for people aged over 60. The center is seen by the municipality as a way to reduce isolation and to improve the social links and wellbeing of its senior citizens. Here elderly people can participate in a range of activities from choir singing, to learning about informatics etc as well as services such as dental, eye care and hairdressing. The city has also launched several projects in the district; an IT training centre for school students, young people and the unemployed located on a working class housing estate; a secondary school with a new technology unit to help equip students for apprentices and work; and a multipurpose community centre designed to meet the diverse needs of the local community.

Financial education helping the indebtedness of Portuguese families:

Target group:people who are in disadvantageous situation. Action: provides them with training on indebtedness. This pilot project involves an element of co-production as the users disseminate the knowledge acquired further. !!Pilot actions of co-responsibility

The Colored Bag

32 Primary schools in the municipality have been collecting school supplies for distribution to the neediest children. The schools, teachers, parents and pupils have some real influence on the project but the municipality retains the decisive influence.

Sources:

- URBACT Territories of Coresponsibility Lead Expert’s Report on Meeting Coilha (April 2011) - URBACT Territories of Coresponsibility Together Final Report (October 2012) -URBACT Territories of Coresponsibility Lead Expert’s Report on Meetings TOGETHER’s Project Partners Cities (December 2010-September 2012)