SOCIAL INNOVATION VILLAGE - SIV - ASSOCIAÇÃO SEM FINS LUCRATIVOS

Social Innovation Village is a Portuguese organization based in Fundão that addresses interconnected societal challenges through solidarity-based action. We have established experience with European Solidarity Corps activities and are committed to demonstrating how rural areas can become centers for innovation and youth engagement. Our Mission: Enable young people to contribute meaningfully to society while developing personal, professional, and civic competencies through hands-on solidarity activities. Our Approach: We integrate three mutually-reinforcing pillars: Innovation for Good: Making technology accessible to communities, digital skills training, and open-source solutions for replicability Sustainable Housing: Community-led affordable housing using eco-friendly methods, addressing youth housing insecurity Community Empowerment: Youth engagement programs, support for vulnerable populations, democratic participation initiatives Target Groups: Young people (18-30) from across Europe, particularly those with fewer opportunities (rural youth, NEETs, economic disadvantage, geographic isolation) Local communities in interior Portugal facing depopulation and service gaps Vulnerable populations (elderly, isolated communities, low-income families) Key Activities: ESC volunteering projects where youth contribute to real community needs—building affordable homes, delivering digital literacy programs, supporting local initiatives—while gaining recognized skills and European ci