Our History
Over 70 years serving the community
The story of Amigos dos Pequeninos is one of dedication, solidarity and commitment to the wellbeing of children and their families. Over more than seven decades we have grown and evolved, while always staying true to our original mission.
Founding
In December 1951, Amigos dos Pequeninos is founded and approved by a charter (Alvará) dated 20 December 1951, published in the Government Gazette (Diário do Governo) on 27/12/1951. It grows out of the concern of an initial group of four people for the social and economic hardship of the region.
Early Years
The institution quickly became an important part of local life, providing weekly medical care for children and their mothers, organising holiday camps and giving essential goods and clothing to families at Christmas.
Education Comes In
The institution adds an educational and teaching dimension by developing its pre-school (Jardim de Infância) and welcoming its first qualified early years teacher (Educadora de Infância).
Expanding Our Facilities
The institution invests in its buildings, allowing more children to enrol, enlarging the Nursery (Creche) and Pre-school services and creating the after-school centre (C.A.T.L.).
The Quebra-Nozes Project
Early intervention begins with the "Quebra-Nozes" project, part of the Ser-Criança Programme, marking the start of our support for children with special needs.
Bem Crescer
After the Quebra-Nozes project ends (September 2004), "Bem Crescer" is set up in December under a Cooperation Agreement as the institution's Early Childhood Intervention (I.P.I.) service.
ELI Portimão
In December 2010, "Bem Crescer" becomes part of the Portimão Local Intervention Team (ELI-Portimão), covering the municipalities of Silves, Monchique, Lagoa and Portimão.
The Utopia Project and CLDS
The institution launches the Utopia Project to create mental health residential units in partnership with Instituto Piaget, and secures approval for the CLDS 5G "Pontes, Raízes e Asas" project covering the whole municipality of Silves.