The study visit to the Vilar Formoso Museum Centre – Border of Peace marked the final module of the program “Portugal Through the Eyes of the Young Diaspora,” a successful initiative involving Portuguese-speaking and Portuguese-descendant students from the University of Beira Interior.

During the visit to the museum, the students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the history of the Portuguese-Spanish border and the humanitarian role played by Vilar Formoso during the Second World War, when thousands of refugees passed through the town seeking safety. The tour also allowed for a deeper exploration of themes related to migration, identity, collective memory, and the historical ties between Portugal and Portuguese communities scattered around the world.

Participants highlighted the importance of the experience in better understanding Portuguese cultural roots and the relevance of the diaspora in the construction of national identity. For many of the Portuguese-descendant students, this activity also represented a moment of connection with the stories of mobility and welcoming that mark contemporary Portuguese history.

With this visit, the five modules of the program conclude, which over the past few weeks have provided different moments of reflection, learning, and contact with Portuguese historical and cultural reality. The partnership between the António Pargana Foundation and the University of Beira Interior has strengthened ties between young people of Portuguese descent and Portugal, promoting dialogue around Lusophony and the Portuguese diaspora.

The inauguration of the photography exhibition “Portugal Through the Eyes of the Young Diaspora” and the awarding of prizes for the “Portraits of Portugal” competition are scheduled for May 27th at the Wool Museum.