The "Open Window" project involves 45 children between 3 and 5 years old– 25 from Santa Maria da Feira and 20 from the Belgian city of Mons – the first steps comprised the share of knowledge and expertise about the traditions and cultures of each community, including songs, festivals and traditional recipes. The distance between them is now shorter, thanks to the weekly communication made by skype.

The project is an exchange of knowledge where children are motivated to acquire a better understanding of one’s own character, their community and the world, with a focus on diversity, solidarity, tolerance and respect for the human being, regardless of colour, ethnicity, religion, culture, sex or language. All activities are intended, directly or indirectly, to deconstruct stereotypes, prejudices and racism and privilege the defence and promotion of children rights.

All activities integrated in this project are developed in line with the interests of the child, encouraging their active participation, giving voice to their ideas, curiosities and desires, in permanent contact with realities outside the school walls and their community. The work carried out under the "Open Window" project - texts, drawings, videos, photographs and logbook - will be exhibited at the end of the school year.

Respect for Human Rights

"Children Rights" and "School of Rights" are the other two cultural diversity projects underway in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira. The first is a project of education for development, directed to primary school students, involving 8 classes (Canedo Group of Schools) in this school year, and whose work will focus the promotion, defence and universal protection of children's rights. The second project (also a pilot) involves two middle school classes and aims to promote the knowledge, protection and respect for human rights and global education.

In a comprehensive and integrated way, the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira and its involved schools intend an integrated approach connecting the various actors of the educational community, through thematic sessions in a formal educational context, but using participatory methods that values non- formal education and diverse resources / tools of communication. The focus of these projects is the interactive participation, global interpretation, critical thinking and action in social change.