The programme “Discovering Portugal: History, Culture and Identity” began on 27 March 2026. This initiative is organised by the António Pargana Foundation in partnership with the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP). The first module marked the start of an educational programme dedicated to a deeper understanding of Portuguese national identity.

The opening session featured speeches by Diogo Feio and the President of the ISCSP, who highlighted the importance of initiatives of this nature in the civic and academic education of students, emphasising the role of historical and institutional knowledge in building informed citizenship.

The first training session was led by Lourenço Pereira Coutinho, on the theme “Portugal: foundations and historical variables of an unlikely country”. The session provided a comprehensive reflection on the historical, geographical and political factors that have shaped Portugal over the centuries, stimulating critical thinking among the participants.

The programme continued with a walk from ISCSP to the Tropical Garden, accompanied by Professor Nuno Canas Mendes. The guided tour allowed students to contextualise elements of Portuguese history and presence in the world.

A visit was made to the Ajuda Palace, where the students had the opportunity to explore an exhibition, accompanied by Professor Teresa de Almeida e Silva. This provided an immersion in the country’s historical and artistic heritage, reinforcing the topics covered during the morning.

The “Discovering Portugal: History, Culture and Identity” programme is structured around several modules that combine academic sessions with visits to institutions, aiming to provide an integrated understanding of the historical and cultural processes that underpin Portuguese identity.

This first day stood out for the students’ strong engagement and the diversity of teaching approaches, foreshadowing the success of the programme’s upcoming sessions.