This project in the Alfragide District of Lisbon was started and is operated by Susila Dharma Portugal. Following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, one million refugees arrived in Portugal, from its former colonies. The “Alfragide Project”, as it was first known, was started in 1981 by Portuguese and Norwegian members with support from SD International, and began as a kindergarten for refugee children from East Timor. It was built on 600 m2 of land donated by the Municipality of Amadora, Lisbon. Since its beginning, Roda Viva has had close links with the International Child Development Progamme from Norway and has served children and their families from many African countries as well.

The project has grown and in 2007 it served 200 children and young people through a number of programmes. The statistics indicating the results of the Center are encouraging. Over 50% of the first children to be part of the project went on to university (in the normal school system it's only around 5%). Over 40% to professional training and only around 5% ended with the lowest school education. Roda Viva does not have a primary school – just the kindergarten and the special after school and youth programmes. Local primary schools report that children coming from Roda Viva do better than most at school.

Contact:
Daniela Dinis,
Av. Almeida Garrett - Apartado 7517,
Alfragide 2721-801 Amadora, Portugal.

Email: assubud@netcabo.pt

SD Portugal
Francisca Pedroso, Chair
Praceta Florbela Espanca nº 1, 11º A, 2795 Carnaxide,
Portugal.

Email: sd_portugal@yahoo.com