Crossroads Erasmus+ Project: Knowledge Sharing in Aveiro, Portugal

We were delighted to be hosted in Aveiro, Portugal, by our partners DCTR for a two-day knowledge-sharing seminar as part of our Erasmus+ Crossroads project. This seminar brought together partners from Ireland, France, and Portugal to discuss key aspects of the project and explore ways to support migrant communities more effectively 

Day 1: Deep Dive into Crossroads & Community Mapping Clinics

The first day focused on reviewing the project's progress in depth. A key highlight was our discussion on the Community Mapping Clinics, which were successfully hosted in February 2025 across Ireland, France, and Portugal. These clinics provided valuable insights into the intersectionality of challenges faced by migrants in each country, from social integration to employment barriers and access to services.

We also examined the next phase: Activity 4 – a training programme designed for young people. This programme aims to equip young migrants with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate new environments and actively participate in their communities.

Day 2: Engaging with Local Organisations & Sustainability Action

The second day involved meetings with two inspiring local organisations working to support migrants and rural communities in Portugal:

• Casa Vera Cruz – An organisation dedicated to assisting migrants in Portugal, providing essential support, resources, and advocacy to help individuals settle and thrive.
• BioLiving – A group focused on rural development and sustainability, implementing environmental projects that benefit both local communities and ecosystems.

To conclude the seminar, we visited the community of Frossos and planted trees as part of our commitment to sustainability. At Blackwater Training & Consulting, we are dedicated to offsetting all CO2 emissions from our international travel. Our policy is simple: for every flight we take, we plant at least one tree.

This seminar in Aveiro was an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting migrant communities and promoting sustainable initiatives. We look forward to the next steps in the Crossroads project and continuing our collaborative efforts!

Stay tuned for more updates!