Accepting the invitation of the European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC) and the Portuguese Large Families Association (APFN), the City Council of Braga took part, in the VIII European Large Families Conference held in Riga, capital of Latvia, integrating the "Family Friendly Municipality" panel.
During the presentation of the policies developed in Braga on behalf of the families, António Barroso, member of the Support Cabinet for the Presidency in representation of the Municipality, highlighted the main indicators and strategic vectors of municipal activity, as well as the various actions, activities and support initiatives offered by the city to its families.
Braga’s good practices deserved applause
One of the good practices that led to the applause of those present was the current initiative "Braga a Sorrir (Braga Smiling)". Organized by the Municipality in partnership with the NGO "Mundo a Sorrir (World Smiling)", this innovative project has a great social impact because it helps Braga’s citizens with socioeconomic needs or experiencing poverty and social exclusion, offering them and promoting oral health acres and/or prevention and simultaneously stimulating their self-esteem and quality of life.
This is a pioneer project in the whole country which goes against the idea that City Councils should not intervene in the health care. In this and other fields, the Municipality of Braga takes the responsibility of overcoming its citizens’ needs and increasing their well-being. In order to achieve this goal, the City Council has a proactive, innovative and ambitious attitude, finding the right partners for this.
Expressing his satisfaction for the recognition that the Municipality obtained, Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, highlighted the importance for Braga “that the invitation to represent Portugal had, as well as the opportunity to present our support measures and incentives to Braga’s families which have been developed by the Municipality from the first day. This is also the recognition of the value of our policy and our results by external entities at a national and European level, said the Mayor, highlighting that "we are committed to continue this way, so we have the possibility to increase our achievements and also to create others that will keep on showing Braga as an excellent location to live and where families are happy."
Municipality of Braga, 15 August 2016
