Associação ES+

AES+ (Associação Educação e Sucesso) is a non-profit organisation established in 2021 by a group of seven professionals: two teachers, three specialists in Educational Sciences, one psychologist, and one expert in educational technologies. The founding members share extensive experience in the educational and social sectors and were collaborating on a project focused on promoting educational success in the municipality of Sintra, Portugal.

The association was created with the specific purpose of establishing and supporting the Escola de Segunda Oportunidade de Sintra (Second Chance School of Sintra), through a formal agreement with the Portuguese Ministry of Education, the Municipality of Sintra, and the Agualva Mira Sintra School Cluster. This school offers a socio-educational response aimed at preventing early school leaving and fostering the social reintegration of young people aged between 15 and 24.

Operating since 2021, the school is currently in its fourth academic year and has supported over 200 young people from Sintra. AES+ plays a key role in strengthening the school’s pedagogical approach by providing training and consultancy to education professionals, supporting the implementation of professional internships, and developing project-based activities and study visits.

During the 2021/2022 school year, AES+ coordinated the Erasmus+ project "Ases a Participar", which aimed to enhance the range of educational opportunities available to young people, empowering them to build meaningful life pathways. The project also identified that, although many of these young people possess a strong sense of critical thinking, they are not always encouraged or supported to apply it in reflecting on the community and society around them, nor to engage in participatory processes or propose solutions to the challenges they face.

Working closely with around 40 young people, the AES+ team facilitated the exploration of several key themes. As part of this process, the young participants were tasked with organising meetings with political decision-makers and/or relevant institutions, where they could present and discuss their ideas and concerns. The topics addressed included:

• Inclusive Societies
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Quality Work for All
• Quality Education
• Space and Participation for All

Following each meeting, and based on the conclusions drawn, the young people developed and delivered awareness-raising and dissemination activities related to each theme.

In addition to its work at the Second Chance School of Sintra, AES+ has been implementing a range of educational projects in the municipalities of Sintra and Cascais since 2022.

In Sintra, the organisation leads the Educational Success Promotion Project in Disadvantaged Communities, currently active across six school clusters. This project seeks to build the capacity of school staff, students, and families by offering training and pedagogical resources tailored to their specific needs. The programme includes modules on parenting, phonological awareness, mathematical skills, intercultural education, and socio-emotional competences, having already reached over 4,404 beneficiaries to date.

Also in 2022, AES+ launched the Socio-Emotional Wellbeing Programme in Cascais Schools, with the aim of improving school wellbeing by equipping teachers and school professionals with practical tools and knowledge to act as wellbeing agents. The programme promotes systemic and collaborative approaches, supported by technical expertise and networking opportunities. Over its three editions, the programme has engaged more than 14 schools and 105 teachers and psychologists, who now serve as wellbeing ambassadors, leading annual wellbeing plans within their schools.