There aren’t many ‘safe’ havens for the disadvantaged to retreat to these days, especially for the children of the low-socio backgrounds, or those suffering from a disability of sorts. But for Portugal, Camp Torreira has been providing a much needed “social response” for disadvantaged children, the elderly, the disabled, and those in much need of social support, for decades.
In 1978 The Camp Torreira (CFT) was established in the municipality of Murtosa, with the aim of providing a holiday type of respite for the groups mentioned above. In 1996, its continuing support of the community was recognized. It became a much needed relief and social answer; regaining a sense of balance for its users through activity, and the breaking of a mundane routine, otherwise not possible for this demographic. Through the camp, a space was created where a non-formal education was offered for hygiene and nutrition, mutual aid and social integration. Support was given, but more importantly, hope ignited the dreams of those walking through the doors.
Since 1996, over 50000 users have passed through their doors with a further 2500 users still using the facility each year. Of these people, 90% are children, deprived of their family and mainly from institutionalized backgrounds such as the Commissions for Protection of Children, and temporary shelter programs. This is a place where dreams have been recognized and where children have grown to become functioning members of society – and with a smile on their face.
But regardless of its achievement to help those in need, Camp Torreira is facing its own personal crisis. It’s facing its own closure. Soon the 2500 occupants moving through the doors each year will feel a greater sense of abandonment by their social system as they are turned away. The unclear decision made by the authorities has left Camp Torreira no choice but to scream from the roof tops. Those that have given for all these years are now asking for help to remain open and to be recognized for the job they continually strive to do. [1]
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[1] Voice Over by George Clooney (October 11 2014) “CFT Não Pode Fechar – Lugar Secreto” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxwMTxXohM0&feature=youtu.be YouTube (Retrieved 25 October 2014)
