The Spin Association for the Exchange, Training and Cooperation among Peoples

The Spin Association for the Exchange, Training and Cooperation among Peoples is a Portuguese non-profit, non-governmental organisation, whose aim is to promote intercultural understanding and dialogue, human rights, sustainability, social justice and inclusion, as well as active and participatory citizenship and lifelong learning. One of our key activities is to carry out international mobility programmes for young people in order to empower youngsters and especially those pertaining to marginalized social groups, with disabilities, economically deprived or facing other forms of social exclusion. Through the participation in International mobility programmes such as trainings, exchanges, voluntary and cooperation projects, youngsters widen their horizons, develop their personal and professional growth and expand their European awareness and active citizenship. Spin puts a strong focus on the intercultural dimension of all its projects, both at local and international level, as a mean of promoting tolerance and raising awareness in its beneficiaries and in the public opinion in general that we are all part not only of our local community but also of Europe and the world. Spin was founded in 2008, it is based in Lisbon in a socially deprived and marginalized neighborhood - Bairro Padre Cruz - but has a nation-wide scope of activity. In the past 12 years our NGO has empowered and trained hundreds of European youngsters on themes such as human rights, active citizenship, sustainable development, environment protection, volunteerism and solidarity, peace education, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and many others. Regarding volunteer projects, since its foundation Spin has been strongly committed to promoting and encouraging young people's participation in voluntary activities, as we believe in a solid European cooperation through the spreading of the volunteering spirit and mutual understanding among youth. Up to date, we have sent more than 80 volunteers for successful projects in several European and non-european countries. As a hosting and supporting organisation, we are especially willing to promote social inclusion, solidarity and active citizenship. Due to our former experience in coordinating activities with young people from different backgrounds, we always prepare projects reflecting a wide European dimension, promoting intercultural dialogue and equal opportunities, offering also all kind of counseling and support to all our partners and hosted volunteers. We believe it is the duty of our NGO to do its best for the integration of the volunteers and allow them to fully participate in the work we develop with our partners at all levels, local and international, feeling that by doing so they are contributing for improving the life of a whole community. Spin provides to all European volunteers the opportunity of discovering a new country, a new language and a new culture. Volunteers have the chance to work closely with a community of people with fewer opportunities in a deprived and marginalized area in the city of Lisbon. Our organization counts with 4 full-time and 1 part-time project managers with solid experience in the management and coordination of European youth projects, 5 international volunteers/year and several freelancers and local volunteers. Even though we are a small-sized NGO, we have over 300 associated members. The NGO is also an active member of the Local Youth Council and participates in the Community Meetings in the Carnide area of Lisbon. We are officially recognized by the Portuguese state as an Development NGO and a public utility organisation.