In 2023 Escola EB 2,3 Algoz was selected to house the first Biodiversity Forest to be planted as part of RC Silves environmental projects. On 24 November this year pupils and teachers of the Agrupamento de Escolas de Silves gathered at the EB1 Escola Secundária de Silves with RC Silves Rotarians and members of the local Clube Dos Bons Jardins or CBJ to plant the second urban biodiversity forest.

300 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted on an area beside the school prepared by Silves Council. When it matures it will be fully self-sustainable ecosystem. In the centre of the forest is a learning space.  This was the first step in creating a small, 100sqm, dense woodland where a new ecosystem could exist, established using the Miyawaki principles of planting. Student volunteers will care for the newly planted saplings and will be able to observe the various stages of development as the forest grows.

Silves council prepared the ground; RC Silves funded the plants and Sonia’s consultancy. The project was managed by the school alongside Rainer Kroth and Terry Falção both members of RC Silves. RC Silves would like to thank the CBJ for their extra financial contribution to the project.

Diretor Tito Mendes, Sonia Soares, Pam Winn (President RC Silves), Terry Falção, Judy Falção(Secretary RC Silves)

In 2024 One team of six students attended a Model United Nations two day gathering in Cheadle Hulme School near Manchester UK.  The trip was organised and funded by the Rotary Clube de Silves and due to the successful first trip the club was able to increase the numbers to allow two teams to attend MUN(CH) 2025.

The teams from two secondary schools of the Agrupamento Escolas de Silves Sul represented Portugal and Angola. Research was carried out, and resolutions were produced on such topics as “The rise of the far right in world politics”, “Child slavery” and “The issue of legal status of climate refugees “

Almost 70 delegations were present, mostly from the U.K. but also from Luxembourg and Switzerland. The young Portuguese teams made up of students from 12 to 14 years old contributed significantly in committees and held their own against much older and experienced teams.

Pam Winn Rotary Clube de Silves President said that providing young people with the opportunity to attend an MUN gives the students chance to develop their language, diplomatic and debating skills in a way that is not accessible to many.  Making a small difference to the lives of the young could have major benefits to their career paths in the future. According to the parents on their return MUN participation has resulted significant improvements in language, confidence, teamwork and so much more. As the welcome home notice from the Pupils parents said at Faro airport arrivals “MUNCH 25 Delegates we are Proud of you” One parent said “Education is truly an act of LOVE (sometimes tiring and difficult), but it is a collective effort that is SO rewarding and SO worth it!” The message from the teachers and students says it all.

It is that time of year, Castelo de Sonhos are gearing up for their annual Back to School project.  Silves Rotary Club always supports this project and members help where they can. Help is needed with back packs and stationery to get children ready for school in September. Fill your shopping trolley with essential items for Kids in Need in the Algarve or make a financial contribution 60€ buys a backpack complete with contents. The poster below shows the things needed and where you can drop them off.  Every little helps even if you can only give a few items, it all counts. If you would rather make a donation Castelo de Sonhos’s bank details can be found on the poster too. 

The second half of the school exchange between Agrupamento de Escolas de Silves Sul and Wilden School in Southampton took place between 4 and 9 July.

The Exchange Project was arranged and sponsored by the Rotary Clube de Silves to provide participants with opportunities to experience school life in the UK. The project was started in 2013 and has run successfully since then with a break during the pandemic The English students spent time in the Algarve in March, and this was the chance for the Portuguese students to attend an English school and stay with the host UK families.

Rotary Club President Pam Winn travelled with the 5 students and two teachers who unanimously agreed how useful the trip had been. This kind of activity not only improves language and communication skills but allows participants to develop new skills and ideas along the way.

One parent after the trip said

“Thank you, RC Silves and all the teachers involved for this unforgettable experience. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the fantastic exchange experience between our Portuguese kids and the English students. It was truly unique and invaluable. An experience filled with learning, sharing, and connection. I am immensely especially grateful for the opportunity you have provided to our children. This experience has enriched them in countless ways, both personally, and culturally, and will surely stay with them for a lifetime.”