Ponta Delgada Opens Inclusive Space Showcasing Casa Manaias Work
Ponta Delgada municipality has opened an "Inclusive Space" (Espaço Inclusivo) on Rua Machado dos Santos, offering residents a chance to see the work of Casa Manaias, a social inclusion program supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and social vulnerability. The temporary exhibition runs through the end of July, with weekday visits available from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
What the Space Offers
The exhibition displays handicrafts, furniture, and artworks created by Casa Manaias participants. Visitors can also participate in workshops led in collaboration with participants, including:
• Os Pequenos Escultores (sculpture for children)
• Entrelaçar Saberes (knowledge-weaving)
• Bouquet de Cera (wax bouquets)
• Molduras de Afetos (memory frames)
These sessions are designed as bidirectional learning experiences, where participants take on teaching roles alongside organizers.
About Casa Manaias
Casa Manaias operates as a social inclusion program combining occupational therapy with vocational training. The program offers participants hands-on workshops in areas such as carpentry, sewing, agriculture, and IT literacy, paired with psychiatric and psychological support. This approach aims to build both employability and restore dignity through meaningful work and skill development.
The municipality supports Casa Manaias as part of its broader social inclusion initiatives, recognizing the importance of voluntary, non-compulsory approaches that foster trust with vulnerable populations often skeptical of institutional services.
Community Impact
By showcasing the tangible output of occupational therapy and participant skills, the Inclusive Space serves both as a public education tool and a platform for participant empowerment. The initiative reflects a Portuguese trend toward dignified reintegration approaches that prioritize relationship-building and voluntary participation in addressing homelessness and social exclusion.
For residents interested in visiting, the space is open weekdays from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM through the end of July. Further information can be obtained through Ponta Delgada municipality's social services offices.
