Last week the Oscars came to Pêra and six hundred guests gathered at the Cultural Centre in Pêra to celebrate the films and artwork of the pupils of Agrupamento de Escolas de SilvesSul an initiative started by the Rotary Club of Silves. It was a night of glamour and celebration as the nominees walked the red carpet and wondered whether it was to be their night.

The glamour did not end with the red carpet as the students and their guests dressed up for the occasion. The nominees, their parents and friends were joined by Peter Abbott, the Deputy British Ambassador to Portugal, Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves, Clive Jewel, British Vice Consul, representatives from the Freguesias around the area and educationists from across the Algarve. Rotarians from various clubs across the Algarve were also present to celebrate the students’ achievements and support this educational project.

The Deputy Ambassador was full of praise for the event describing the Oscars as a fantastic event and that everyone involved should be incredibly proud. He was in admiration of the talents and skills of the young people who took part in the Oscars. He also thanked the staff and students from Wildern School for their contribution. He pledged continued Embassy support for the project.

Escolas de SilvesSul and Wildern School from the UK have worked in partnership to develop this event which is modelled on a similar ceremony at Wildern School. Six pupils from Wildern School and two teachers joined the pupils of Escolas de SilvesSul on the red carpet. Forty films and many pieces of artwork and photographs were submitted for the Oscars. Fifty were nominated across eleven categories from Best Short Film, Best International Film, Best Primary School Film through to Best Artwork and Photography.

To whoops of delight from the pupils of SilvesSul, the winners were drawn from the gold envelopes. The judges presented the Oscars and prizes to the winners who gave a short thank you speech which was accompanied by huge smiles of delight.

Alan Winn, Past President of RC Silves thanked the staff of Escolas de Silves Sul whose efforts made this event happen particularly Carla Mourinho, Daniel Carvalo, Cidalia Azinhiero and Director Carlos Silva. The Pupils from the Algarve and the UK have formed strong friendships and are look forward to meeting again in July when six students from Escolas SilvesSul travel to the UK for the Wildern Oscars.