Schools in the Algarve are known for their considerable ethnic diversity, due to both the region’s popularity among expatriates and recent waves of immigration. As such, the primary target audience includes individuals from minority backgrounds, contributing to its overall diversity.
The “Collaborative Reporting Platform with Schools” is an innovative nine-month initiative by Sul Informação, beginning in September 2025. The project aims to empower secondary school students across the Algarve by involving them directly in local journalism. This will be achieved through the creation of a dedicated online platform where students can collaborate with Sul Informação journalists to research, write, and publish reports on relevant local issues, such as environmental challenges and community initiatives.
A key component of the project is comprehensive training in fact-checking, journalistic writing, and media ethics, delivered by the experienced Sul Informação editorial team. This hands-on approach will not only foster essential media literacy skills among young people but also bring fresh, diverse perspectives to the newsroom. The project will further equip students—and their teachers—with the skills to use the digital platform effectively, increasing their understanding of online journalism tools.
Sul Informação was founded on 26 September 2011 by three journalists who joined forces to create an exclusively online regional newspaper. It has since grown to become the most relevant news outlet in the Algarve, with selected content also translated into English. The publication places a strong emphasis on social, environmental, political, and cultural topics, especially those related to education, schools, and the region’s diverse communities.
Goals (Expected) of the Project
The project aims to develop and launch an interactive digital platform to support collaboration between Sul Informação and up to seven secondary schools in the Algarve.
With active mentorship from the Sul Informação editorial team, students will co-author and publish reports on both the new platform and Sul Informação itself. To facilitate this, at least 60 secondary school students will receive training in fact-checking, in-depth journalistic writing, media ethics, and multimedia storytelling.
Another objective is to enhance Sul Informação’s recognition as an educational resource and a promoter of civic participation among young people and the wider school community. The project also seeks to establish long-term, sustainable partnerships with schools, enabling continued collaboration beyond the grant period and fostering a lasting ecosystem of youth journalism.
A final goal is to ensure that students—and, ultimately, the entire educational community—internalise the importance of civic causes such as human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, inclusion, equal opportunities, and civil society participation. These causes should be disseminated with respect for pluralism of opinion and the inclusion of diverse voices, while maintaining a critical, democratic spirit. This, in turn, will contribute to media pluralism and the strengthening of democracy.
