Rosto Solidário (RS)

Rosto Solidário (RS) is a Portuguese NGDO (Non-Governmental Organisation for Development), established in 2007. The organisation is based in Santa Maria da Feira about 30 km from Oporto. RS legal status of public utility has been recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008. RS is member of Portuguese NGDO Platform and has been Accredited host and sending organization for European Voluntary Service projects since 2011. Since its beginning RS is supported by the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ. It is also a member of the “Plataforma das Entidades de Voluntariado Missionário” (national network of Catholic institutions promoting international volunteering programs). At local level, RS is also a member of “Rede Social do concelho de Santa Maria da Feira” (local network of 115 organisations with social intervention programmes - following National Action Plan for Inclusion guidelines). RS aims to promote global citizenship and solidarity, improving the human and social development of local communities. RS core principles are civic participation, social integration, solidarity, networking and partnership. The organisation scope of work includes four main areas: International Development Cooperation, Global Citizenship Education, Volunteering and Family-based Social Support. Gender Equity, Human Rights, Social Inclusion, Citizenship, Cultural Diversity and Personal Development are RS cross-cutting subjects. Since the beginning RS has been working towards the social and human development of the people with special focus on the vulnerable population. In line with main intervention areas RS promotes - the implementation of specific projects for education and global citizenship; - training and planning voluntary activities localy, in Europe and for cooperation; - develops European learning mobilities and other actions that promote capacity-building and lifelong learning. - development cooperation projects based in empowerment strategy in partnership with local communities and entities, in particular with Passionists Congregation located in portuguese-speaking countries. – supporting individuals/families who are at risk of social exclusion and social vulnerability through a social assistance service, a resources bank (food; clothes and furniture) and a psychology service; - development of work in partnership with other institutions by cooperating and sharing knowledge and responsibilities with the local social network. - volunteering activities that are part of RS identity and a crosscutting issue to all intervention areas of the organization. Represents a compromise for an active and responsible citizenship through the committed involvement of each one. RS promotes the awareness of our global reality and throught the volunteering each one will realize and reflect on its role as a person, a professional and as a family and community member.