The "We Propose!" project, learning Geography and the formation of proactive citizens

Abstract

This article aims to promote reflection on the contribution of the “We Propose!” Project to the development of competencies outlined in the Portuguese curricular documents, namely the “Profile of Students upon Completion of Compulsory Schooling”, “the Essential Learnings” of the subjects of Geography and Citizenship and Development - in the dimensions of Human Rights, Democracy and Political Institutions, Sustainable Development and Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship -, both in Basic and Secondary Education (Elementary and Upper Secondary). The project “We Propose! Citizenship and Innovation in Geographic Education” involves case studies of local socio-territorial problems that are significant to students, bringing them closer to the municipal government, mobilizing them to create and adopt proposals for local intervention/action (in the municipality and at school) with articulation between the university, the school and local institutions (municipalities, organizations, companies, etc.). This will also include an account of my experience participating in the "We Propose!" Project since the 2024/2025 school year, as a teacher and project coordinator at the Lima de Freitas Basic and Secondary School in the municipality of Setúbal, Portugal, with the involvement of the municipal government. Finally, a reflection is made on the importance of the project for learning Geography and the formation of proactive citizens among students from the Viso neighborhood/Setúbal. Geographic education emerges as an added value in the face of current challenges, and in particular, the construction of sustainability.