Enraizar - Associação de Aprendizagem Comunitária

Enraizar - Associação de Aprendizagem Comunitária runs a Natural Learning Environment in Santo Isidoro, Mafra, Portugal, where children follow individualised learning paths, called *Núcleos de Aprendizagem*, set by their own interests and pace. The emphasis is on each child's life project rather than a standardised curriculum. Families describe children learning through direct experience: playing barefoot, exploring nature, and engaging critically with topics such as citizenship, sustainability and civic participation. The association is a non-profit organisation and works to support the development of children and young people through an alternative educational model centred on the community. It draws on the teaching philosophy of Prof. José Pacheco and calls itself a “Learning Community”. By that it means a social construction of people who share a territory, values and a vision of society, and who produce knowledge together and drive social change through local sustainable development projects. Community life is central to the project. Seasonal celebrations such as the *Dia da Espiga* and the Spring Equinox bring children, parents and tutors together for nature walks, storytelling and shared meals. The food is cooked in a wood-fired oven the community built. Environmental education runs through the activities, from litter clean-ups on Earth Day and reflections on climate change to lessons on biodiversity and ecological balance observed on walks along the coast. Enraizar is governed as an association. It has taken part in capacity-building initiatives, including partnerships with organisations that support NGO development. Three pillars guide its work: Learning, Community and Sustainability. It values individual potential while working towards a fairer, more sustainable collective future.