2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The Line F Program is an initiative promoted by the Municipality of Vila Real, aimed at raising young people's awareness of local government issues, promoting equity between young people from rural and urban areas. The program seeks to ensure youth inclusion by offering the opportunity for them to present proposals and projects that meet the needs and expectations of younger populations in the parishes of Vila Real.

The main goal of the program is to stimulate young people's involvement in the creation and implementation of solutions that contribute to local development and the improvement of the quality of life in their communities. To achieve this, young people aged between 14 and 30 can apply individually, in informal groups, or through Youth Associations, presenting proposals that will be evaluated and voted on at the parish councils.

The program follows the principles of participatory democracy and aims to bring public policies closer to the real needs of young people, encouraging dialogue between elected officials, municipal technicians, and citizens. Winning projects receive financial support of up to 500€, intended to help implement the chosen initiatives. Additionally, participation in the program promotes the equality of rights, civic education, and the integration of rural areas' needs into public policies. The program is an innovative way to promote youth participation in political and social processes, offering young people a platform to turn their ideas into concrete projects that benefit their communities.

For more information:
https://www.cm-vilareal.pt/index.php/programas-e-atividades-juventude (External link)