Meeting Participatory and Intercultural Encounters: Pathways to Inclusion

The Participatory and Intercultural Meetings Programme with the Cleaning Staff of Lusófona University – CUL aims to create spaces for dialogue, sharing, and mutual recognition between the institution and a group of professionals who perform essential roles in ensuring the proper functioning and well-being of the university community.

This initiative is part of the University's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and social justice, acknowledging that the academic community is composed of multiple individuals, knowledge systems, and experiences that enrich its human and institutional fabric. The goal is to promote personal and professional appreciation and strengthen intercultural relations by creating a safe, participatory, and welcoming space where every voice matters, reinforcing the sense of community at Lusófona University.

More than just a series of sessions, this is a process of collective construction, where each act of dialogue contributes to a more plural, supportive, and humane university.

Programme: Session Calendar (2025–2026)

1st Session – 13 October 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 10:30 am | 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Topic: Group Introduction and Getting to Know Each Other – first moment of dialogue and gathering of suggestions for future sessions

2nd Session – 18 November 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Topic: Conversations that bring us closer and create bonds

3rd Session – 16 December 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Topic: Intercultural Snack/Gathering – culinary sharing and celebration of cultural diversity

4th Session – December/January 2026

Topic: Photo Session “Faces of the World: Uni(Di)versity” – portraits and stories of participants as an expression of Lusófona's plurality

5th Session – 24 February 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Topic: Health, Care, and Well-being

6th Session – 31 March 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Topic: Teamwork, Cooperation, and Respect

7th Session – 21 April 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Topic: Citizenship and Ethics

8th Session – 26 May 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Topic: Intercultural Coexistence as an Opportunity

9th Session – 30 June 2026

Topic: Final Meeting – Gathering, Sharing, and Intercultural Learning

Organisation

• Prof. Hélia Bracons (ISS/CUL)
• Ms Isabel Diogo (Supervisor of the Cleaning Staff at CUL)