Registered
Public benefits
The direct benefits which flow from our purposes include improved educational outcomes in children's skills in Portuguese language and heritage cultural awareness as well as improved multicultural community integration between Lusophone heritage communities and local community members in Portadown, especially for young people leading to improved
self-confidence in their skills as learners and in their cultural identities and a reduction in social isolation by providing a discrimination-free space open to all to celebrate the range of Lusophone cultures present in our country. These benefits can be evidenced by our rising attendance rate and high approval rates in the local area through verbal and written feedback from parents, pupils and community stakeholders at our events and at regular intervals in our programmes (i.e regular weekly classes, summer schemes, celebration events). We have also received visits and messages of approval in writing and in-person meetings from Portuguese language educational community members, such as representatives for the Camoes Institute, Lusofonias school, the Portuguese consuls in Portadown and Manchester and the Portuguese department at Queen's University, Belfast. There is no harm occurring to anyone accruing from this purpose. All volunteers are safeguarding trained and complete enhanced background Access NI checks as we are committed to child safety and wellbeing. The charity's beneficiaries are 4-16 year old children and young people, hoping to learn the Portuguese language and more about the culture of Portuguese speakers, either those coming from a heritage background or from other cultural backgrounds. The charity also benefits their families, friends and those who volunteer to help the charity achieve its purposes. There is no private benefit flowing from this purpose.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
ELP offers weekly Portuguese language classes with heritage, cultural and craft activities, including dance, song, music and art from the Lusophone world to children aged 4-16 years old from both heritage language backgrounds and from different local communities. All classes are taught by Instituto Camoes certified teachers. We teach and raise
awareness about the Portuguese language, Lusophone cultures and traditions through educational activities inside and outside the classroom, open to children of all ages and all language levels through our three levels of classes (early years- intermediate and advanced learners). Currently our group has over 50 children and over 20 young people attending and preparing for Portuguese language classes, Portuguese language GCSE and A Level equivalent proficiency exams. We facilitate links with local businesses and collaborations with other cultural voluntary organizations and educational groups to advance bilingual education and community cohesion
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Arts
- Education/training