Communication and Financial Sustainability for NGOs is a practical, hands-on 5-day program designed specifically for NGO leaders, project managers, and communication officers who want to master the art of impactful storytelling while building a resilient, multi-stream funding strategy. Set in the inspiring city of Lisbon, this course provides insider knowledge on Erasmus+ grants, European funding lines, and crowdfunding, combined with modern marketing tools. Learn how to turn your social impact into a sustainable future.

Duration: 5 days (25-30 hours)

Target:
-teachers working with all types of learners in both formal and non- formal context
-staff in educational institutions
-trainers

Objectives:

• Build a Strategic Communication Plan that effectively showcases their NGO’s social impact to donors, partners, and the public.
• Navigate the Erasmus+ ecosystem and successfully understand the requirements for KA1, KA2, and other European funding lines.
• Diversify NGO income streams by exploring corporate partnerships, crowdfunding, and social entrepreneurship models.
• Write compelling grant proposals that stand out to evaluators and align perfectly with funding priorities.
• Network and collaborate with international NGOs, opening doors for future cross-border partnerships and consortiums.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a strategic communication plan that clearly communicates their NGO’s mission, activities and social impact to donors, partners, stakeholders and the wider public.

• Navigate the Erasmus+ funding ecosystem by identifying relevant funding opportunities, distinguishing between Key Action 1 (KA1), Key Action 2 (KA2) and other European funding programmes, and understanding their main eligibility criteria and application requirements.

• Identify and assess alternative funding opportunities by exploring corporate partnerships, crowdfunding, social entrepreneurship and other income-generation models to strengthen their NGO’s financial sustainability.

• Design and write compelling grant proposals that respond to funding priorities, address application requirements, define clear objectives and expected outcomes, and demonstrate the relevance and impact of proposed activities.

• Apply practical strategies for communicating social impact by selecting appropriate messages, communication channels and impact indicators to strengthen donor engagement, build stakeholder trust and increase organisational visibility.

• Build international networks and explore cross-border cooperation opportunities by exchanging good practices with representatives of other NGOs, identifying potential partners and developing initial ideas for future European project consortia.

• Develop an actionable organisational development plan identifying priority steps to improve fundraising, communication and international cooperation within their NGO.

Programme:

Day 1 – Does the World Know Your Impact? 
Presentation of training institutions, trainers and participants
Introduction to the programme, warmers and icebreakers
Presentation of communication tools and channels (branding and storytelling related)

Day 2 – Amplifying Your NGO’s Voice 
Strategic communication – Digital storytelling, branding, and content creation for social impact
Social Media Mastery – Free tools for NGOs
Public relations & media outreach

Day 3 – Learning How to Diversifying Income  
Introduction to the Erasmus+ Programme and European funding lines
Practical examples
Alternative fundings and self-sustaining

Day 4 – How Can We Communicate to Win?
Writing to win – How to design the narrative, project logic, and budget for an Erasmus+ grant proposal and to disseminate it on social media
Pitching your project
Practical tasks

Dia 5 – I’m ready for Long-Term Impact! 
Knowledge into action
It all comes together
Closing and evaluation of the course

Course details:

Course Fee: €400 per participant (5 training days × €80/day)

Includes:
– Course preparation and delivery by qualified trainers.
– Five days of structured training, including workshops, practical activities and group discussions
– Training materials and educational resources
– Administrative and organisational costs
– Certificate of participation (upon 80% attendance)
– Europass Mobility (upon 80% attendance)
– Pre-course coordination and participant support.

Not included: Travel, accommodation, meals and local transportation. These expenses are the responsibility of the participants or their sending organisations.

Register HERE.

Upcoming session
1) Starting on 10/05/2027 – Ending on 14/05/2027

Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon!

Prioritizing You: Self-Care for Resilient Educators is a transformative, hands-on 5-day program designed exclusively for teachers and educational staff who need to step back, recharge, and build sustainable emotional resilience. Set in the relaxing and inspiring city of Lisbon, this course blends practical wellness training with enriching cultural experiences. It’s time to invest in yourself so you can return to your students with a renewed mind, a healthy body, and a lasting passion for education.

Duration: 5 days (25 – 30 hours)

Target:
teachers working with all types of learners in both formal and non- formal context; staff in educational institutions; trainers.

Objectives:

Identify the signs of stress and burnout and implement proactive, research-based self-care strategies.
Practice and lead mindfulness exercises (such as breathing techniques, grounding, and sensory awareness) tailored for both educators and students.
Cultivate emotional regulation and resilience to manage challenging classroom environments and daily educational pressures.
Design a personalized Well-being Action Plan to sustain healthy habits and personal self-care beyond the training.
Network and collaborate with international peers, creating a supportive community focused on mental health in education.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognise and identify common signs, symptoms and contributing factors of stress and burnout in educational settings, identifying when additional professional support may be needed.
• Demonstrate and facilitate basic mindfulness exercises, including breathing techniques, grounding and sensory awareness, adapting them to the needs of educators and learners.
• Apply evidence-informed self-care and stress-management strategies to strengthen emotional regulation, resilience and well-being when facing challenging classroom situations and everyday professional pressures.
• Design and implement a personalised Well-being Action Plan, incorporating realistic self-care routines, healthy habits, stress-management techniques and strategies to maintain well-being beyond the training.
• Integrate practical mindfulness and well-being activities into educational practice to support a more balanced, supportive and emotionally aware learning environment.
• Collaborate and exchange good practices with international peers, sharing experiences, exploring approaches to mental health and well-being in education, and building professional connections to support continued learning and mutual support.

Programme:
Day 1 – Is Stress Already Taking Over? 
Presentation of training institutions, trainers and participants
Introduction to the programme, warmers and icebreakers
Mapping our triggers – Presentation of current challenges and coping mechanisms participants already use

Day 2 – Becoming Aware of My Inner Space 
Introduction to Mindfulness
Micro-practices for the classroom – Breathing exercises and grounding techniques
Emotional awareness and regulation tools

Day 3 – How to Teach with Joy 
The Pillars of Self-Care
Practicing self-compassion and overcoming “educator guilt”
Creative expression and movement

Day 4 – How Can Tech Be a Support and Not a Stressor?
Digital well-being – Establishing boundaries with technology and emails
Mindful communication with students, parents, and colleagues
Practical tasks

Dia 5 – I’m ready to transform Education!
Knowledge into action
It all comes together
Networking, closing, and evaluation of the course.

Course details:

Course Fee: €400 per participant (5 training days × €80/day)
Includes:
– Course preparation and delivery by qualified trainers.
– Five days of structured training, including workshops, practical activities and group discussions
– Training materials and educational resources
– Administrative and organisational costs
– Certificate of participation (upon 80% attendance)
– Europass Mobility (upon 80% attendance)
– Pre-course coordination and participant support.

Not included: Travel, accommodation, meals and local transportation. These expenses are the responsibility of the participants or their sending organisations.

Register HERE.

Upcoming session
1) Starting on 26/04/2027 – Ending on 30/04/2027

Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon!

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN EDUCATION

Are you ready to bridge the gap between traditional teaching and the digital future?

The Digital Transformation in Education course is a dynamic, hands-on 5-day program designed to empower educators with the digital pedagogical skills needed for the modern classroom. Set in the vibrant city of Lisbon, this course blends intensive, practical training with cultural experiences, allowing you to learn, network, and transform your teaching practice.

Duration: 5 days (25 – 30 hours)

Target:

• teachers working with all types of learners in both formal and non- formal context
• staff in educational institutions
• trainers

Objectives:

• Identify and integrate cutting-edge classroom management and presentation tools into their daily teaching.
• Gamify the learning experience using interactive quiz apps and language-learning platforms to boost student engagement.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically and effectively as an assistant for lesson planning, material creation, and productivity.
• Design and implement digital-first lesson plans that seamlessly combine technology with pedagogy.
• Network and collaborate with international peers, sharing best practices in a supportive environment.

Learning Outcomes:
1.Identify and select appropriate digital classroom management and presentation tools to enhance teaching effectiveness and support learner engagement.
2.Design and implement gamified learning activities using interactive quiz applications and language-learning platforms to increase motivation and active participation.
3.Apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools ethically and effectively to support lesson planning, develop educational materials, and improve teaching productivity, while considering data protection, copyright, and responsible use.
4.Develop digital-first lesson plans that integrate digital tools, interactive resources, and sound pedagogical approaches to address diverse learning needs and learning objectives.
5.Collaborate and network with international peers, exchanging good practices, sharing digital teaching resources, and developing ideas for applying innovative approaches in their own educational contexts.
6.Evaluate the educational value of digital tools and AI-supported activities, identifying opportunities for improvement and adapting their use to different teaching and learning contexts.

Programme:

Day 1 – Is Digital Transformation already happening?
Presentation of organizations, trainers and participants
Introduction to the programme, warmers and icebreakers
Presentation of tools.

Day 2 – Becoming aware of my Digital Transformation
Classroom management tools
Presentation tools – Nearpod, Thing Link, NoteBookLM
Presentation tools – Mentimeter, Canva

Day 3 – Learning how to teach with fun!
Quiz tools – Flippity, Quizlet, Quizizz
Language learning apps
QR Codes

Day 4 – How can the AI be a tool and not a replacement?
AI apps
AI prompts
Practical tasks

Dia 5 – I’m ready to transform Education!
Knowledge into action
It all comes together; Networking
Closing and evaluation of the course; certificates.

Course details:

Course Fee: €400 per participant (5 training days × €80/day)
Includes:

• Course preparation and delivery by qualified trainers.
• Five days of structured training, including workshops, practical activities and group discussions
• Training materials and educational resources
• Administrative and organisational costs
• Certificate of participation (upon 80% attendance)
• Europass Mobility  (upon 80% attendance)
• Pre-course coordination and participant support.

Not included: Travel, accommodation, meals and local transportation. These expenses are the responsibility of the participants or their sending organisations.

Register HERE.

Upcoming session
1) Starting on 12/04/2027 – Ending on 16/04/2027

Looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon!

Empowering Voices: Human Rights & Inclusive Pedagogy is an interactive 5-day program designed for adult educators, trainers, and community leaders. Set in the vibrant, multicultural city of Lisbon, this course equips participants with practical tools, participatory methodologies, and human rights-based frameworks to address social inequality, encourage critical thinking, and build truly inclusive learning environments for diverse adult learners.

Duration: 5 days (25-30 hours)

Language: English

Target:
teachers working with all types of adult learners in both formal and non- formal context
staff of educational institutions
trainers

Objectives:
– Apply Human Rights Education (HRE) principles to learning contexts and non-formal education frameworks.
– Identify and deconstruct implicit bias, discrimination, and barriers faced by marginalized learners (e.g., migrants, seniors, disadvantaged socio-economic groups).
– Utilize participatory, learner-centered methodologies to address sensitive issues.
– Design inclusive learning activities and curricula that promote social justice, active citizenship, and democratic participation.
-Network and collaborate with international education practitioners to build inclusive European educational projects.

Programme:
Day 1 – Where Do Human Rights Begin?
Presentation of hosting organization, represented schools/organizations, trainers and participants
Human Rights in our everyday practice – Presentation of tools and approaches

Day 2 – Understanding the Adult Learner
Core frameworks – Human Rights Education (HRE), intersectionality, and addressing privilege in the classroom with practical examples
Deconstructing stereotypes and implicit bias in adult learning spaces
Creating safe and brave spaces for difficult conversations and vulnerable learners

Day 3 – Learning How to Teach for Empowerment
Transformative pedagogy
Storytelling and narrative methodologies for social inclusion
Practical tasks

Day 4 – How Can Tech Be a Support and Not a Stressor
Gamification and interactive tools for teaching civic rights and active citizenship
Adapting learning materials to meet diverse accessibility, linguistic, and cultural needs
Addressing contemporary Human Rights challenges: Digital rights, climate justice, and migration in adult education

Dia 5 – I’m ready to transform Education!
Knowledge into action
It all comes together
Networking
Closing and evaluation of the course

Learning Outcomes
1. Apply Human Rights Education (HRE) principles to formal, non-formal and adult learning contexts, integrating human rights, equality, dignity and democratic values into educational practice.
2. Identify and critically analyse implicit bias, discrimination and barriers to participation experienced by marginalised learners, including migrants, older adults and/or people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
3. Facilitate participatory and learner-centred learning activities using methodologies such as Theatre of the Oppressed, story circles and critical dialogue to explore sensitive issues and encourage reflection, empathy and mutual understanding.
4. Design inclusive learning activities and educational programmes that promote social justice, equal opportunities, active citizenship and democratic participation, responding to the diverse needs and experiences of adult learners.
5. Apply inclusive facilitation strategies to create safe, respectful and accessible learning environments where participants can express different perspectives, challenge stereotypes and engage in constructive dialogue.
6. Exchange experiences and good practices with international education practitioners, identifying opportunities for cross-border collaboration and developing initial ideas for inclusive European educational projects.
7. Develop an action plan for integrating Human Rights Education into professional practice, identifying practical approaches to address discrimination, strengthen inclusion and promote a human rights-based learning culture.

Course details:

Course Fee: €400 per participant (5 training days × €80/day)
Includes:

• Course preparation and delivery by qualified trainers.
• Five days of structured training, including workshops, practical activities and group discussions
• Training materials and educational resources
• Administrative and organisational costs
• Certificate of participation (upon 80% attendance)
• Europass Mobility  (upon 80% attendance)
• Pre-course coordination and participant support.

Not included: Travel to Lisbon, accommodation, meals and local transportation. These expenses are the responsibility of the participants or their sending organisations.

 Pre-Register HERE .

Looking forward to be meeting you in Lisbon!

Host: Junta de Freguesia de Carnide
Coordinator: Associação Spin
Activity start date: 14th April 2026
Activity end date:  14th October 2026
Activity duration: 6 months
Vacancies: 1 (for residents in EU)
Application deadline: March 16th, 2026
Application consists of: CV and project-specific motivation letter
Application sent to: esc.jfc.senior@a-spin.pt

The hosting institution, Junta de Freguesia de Carnide, is the local administrative unit of the Carnide area in Lisbon. In this organization, the volunteer is going to work in the Senior Academy (a type of a Third Age University).

The volunteer’s tasks will be to:

• Cooperate with Senior Academy’s volunteers and Coordinators
• Support the cultural and recreational activities promoted in the Academy, such as language and dance classes
• Promote and implement cultural and recreational workshops for the seniors (ex: language teaching workshop, dance, handicrafts..)
• Participate and support the Organization of Senior’s Arraial (Popular party)
• Support to organization and implementation of cultural visits
• Participate in Elder’s summer colonies

“Junta de Freguesia de Carnide” intends to support the volunteers to create their own events or initiatives, in accordance with their principles and upon Board’s approval. To get a general idea of the CES at Junta de Freguesia de Carnide, watch a four-part documentary made about the previous volunteers (it is in Portuguese): part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4.

Conditions:
Volunteers are expected to spend 30-35 hours a week working. Their timetable will include space for work at the Academy, language lessons, days off, social activities and development of their own project ideas, etc.

Volunteer profile:
We are looking for young motivated volunteers aged 18-30, open minded, eager to learn about new cultures and lifestyles, as well as to participate in the project activities in the local community. It is not required to have any particular degree of formal education, but to have a positive and proactive attitude, show tolerance, flexibility, motivation and enthusiasm.
We encourage applications especially from youngsters who already have some experience in volunteering or in working with the elderly and are, at this moment, available to commit to a long term experience of volunteer work abroad and willing to know more about the work developed with and for the seniors of a special Lisbon community of Carnide. Priority is given to candidates with fewer opportunities (please consult the sending organization whether this status applies in your situation).
Knowledge of any level of the Portuguese language is a plus.

LOGISTICS & PRACTICAL INFO:

• Travel cost – The two-way travel (from place of residence to Lisbon and back) will be reimbursed up to the limit given by the distance band of the place of residence, according with ESC rules;
• Accommodation – Supporting & hosting organization, Associação Spin, will provide the lodging in a flat as close to the office and the city center as possible. If the apartment is located in the city center, the volunteers will spend around 45 minutes to reach the office by bus and subway. The volunteers will have to share the room with another volunteer/student/young person (room and connected expenses are paid by Associação Spin). They may also – if so wished by the volunteer – receive a monthly accommodation allowance and be solely responsible for finding and paying for their own accommodation.
• Food & transportation – A monthly allowance of 210€ will be provided by Associação Spin to cover food expenses and local public transportation.
• Pocket money – Every month the volunteer will receive 180€ as pocket money.
• Working hours – The volunteers are expected to spend 30-35 hours a week working. The daily timetable includes time for language learning, lunch, social activities and development of own project ideas, etc.
• Days off – Volunteers are entitled to two days off per week (which sometimes may not be Saturday or Sunday) as well as 2 extra days of vacation for every month of their voluntary work.

Final remarks (please read carefully):

• this is an open call with no assigned sending/supporting organization (we will partner up with the sending organization of the selected volunteer);
• as this volunteer placement involves direct work with children, the selected volunteers will have to provide us with their criminal record certificates;
• only candidates residing in EU or EFTA countries may apply may apply;
• please make sure you are registered with the European Solidarity Corps;
• we only accept complete applications that contain all the required documents;
• due to the high number of candidates, we are only able to contact the short-listed candidates (in order to invite them for a brief Skype interview);
• all the other candidates will be informed about the selection results by April 2nd through our website.

Hosting Organization: Junta de Freguesia do Lumiar
Coordinating Organization: Associação Spin
Activity start date: 1st October 2024
Activity end date: 31st August, 2025
Activity duration: 11 months
Vacancies: 1 (for residents in EU or EFTA)
Application deadline: July 15th, 2024
Application consists of:  filling this Google form+ CV and project-specific motivation letter + presentation of a project (more information below)
Application sent to: esc.jfl@a-spin.pt

The hosting institution, Junta de Freguesia de Lumiar, is the local council of the Lumiar area in Lisbon. In this institution, the volunteers are going to cooperate with the Education Department, namely they are going to work at a local school recreation center on Quinta dos Frades school and at a local school recreation center on São Vicente school.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:

• Collaborate with the Education/Educators’ Coordinating team
• Facilitate and promote activities with children and school community
• Program and implement new projects in the area of education together with the Coordinating team and Educators
• Prepare materials, tools for activities with children, both indoors and outdoors
• Support in after-school activities for children and youngsters
• Support children and youngsters in doing homework
• Contribute to teaching songs, dances and games with children and youngsters
• Support the educators during summer day camp activities with children and youngsters

JF Lumiar intends to support the volunteers in creating their own events or initiatives, in accordance with their principles and upon Board’s approval.

LOGISTICS & PRACTICAL INFO:

• Travel cost – The two-way travel (from place of residence to Lisbon and back) will be reimbursed up to the limit given by the distance band of the place of residence, according with ESC rules;
• Accommodation – Coordinating & hosting organization, Associação Spin, will provide the lodging in a flat as close to the office and the city center as possible. If the apartment is located in the city center, the volunteers will spend around 35 minutes to reach the work place. The volunteers will have to share the room with another volunteer/student/young person (room and connected expenses are paid by Associação Spin). They may also – if so wished by the volunteer – receive a monthly accommodation allowance and be solely responsible for finding and paying for their own accommodation.
• Food & transportation – A monthly allowance of 210€ will be provided by Associação Spin to cover food expenses and local public transportation.
• Pocket money – Every month the volunteer will receive 180€ as pocket money.
• Working hours – The volunteers are expected to spend 30-35 hours a week working. The daily timetable includes time for language learning, lunch, social activities and development of own project ideas, etc.
• Days off – Volunteers are entitled to two days off per week (usually on Saturday and Sunday) as well as 2 extra days of vacation for every month of their voluntary work.

VOLUNTEERS’ PROFILE: WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for young motivated volunteers aged 18-30, open minded, eager to learn about new cultures and lifestyles, as well as to participate in the project activities in the local community. It is not requiredto have any particular degree of formal education, but to have positive and proactive attitude, show tolerance, flexibility, motivation and enthusiasm. In this project, patience and the capacity to work in a team will be highlyappreciated. We encourage applications especially from youngsters who already have some experience in volunteering or in working with children and youngsters and are, at this moment, available to commit to a long term experience of volunteer work abroad. We will give some priority to candidates who have at least a basic level of Portuguese, however it’s not a requirement for the application.

All candidates must be registered with the European Solidarity Corps.

SELECTION PROCESS:

In order to be considered for the vacancies, each candidate has to fill this Google form and send (in only 1 single e-mail):

1. up-to-date CV
2. project-specific Motivation Letter
3. presentation about an idea/project you would like to implement with the children

The complete applications (CV + project-specific Motivation Letter+presentation) should be sent to esc.jfl@a-spin.pt no later than July 15th, 2024

Final remarks (please read carefully):

• this project has already received funding from the ESC Program;
• this is an open call with no assigned sending/supporting organization (we will partner up with the sending organization of the selected volunteer);
• as this volunteer placement involves direct work with children, the selected volunteers will have to provide us with their criminal record certificates;
• only residents in EU or EFTA countries may apply;
• please make sure you are registered with the European Solidarity Corps;
• we only accept complete applications that contain all the required documents;
• due to the high number of candidates, we are only able to contact the short-listed candidates (in order to invite them for a brief Skype interview);
• all the other candidates will be informed about the selection results by August 15th through our website.

GOOD LUCK!

All Spin Association’s projects aim to contribute to the dissemination and implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, unanimously approved by 193 UN Member States in 2015.