Meet SOcial
understand · act · belong
About SOcial
SOcial is an independent social work project in the field of migration, with a socioeducational, intercultural and community approach.
Migration is a deeply human experience, connected to rights, dignity, freedom and equal opportunities. It brings changes to people's lives and to the communities they become part of.
Our purpose is to promote migrants' autonomy, support their social integration, encourage active and informed participation, and contribute to the cohesion of the communities where they live.
Our approach
We take a person-centred approach, respecting each individual's story, knowledge, circumstances and ability to make their own decisions.
Through social guidance, information and ongoing support, we help people understand their situations, identify resources, understand their rights and responsibilities, and find ways to act with greater autonomy.
A socioeducational approach runs through this work: we seek to facilitate learning, critical reflection and an understanding of the social context. We create opportunities for each person to develop their own judgement, make informed decisions and recognise their possibilities for participating in society.
Being part of the community
We understand integration as a process of mutual understanding, relationship-building and participation involving migrants, communities and institutions.
Understanding the language, culture and how the society we live in works can help us understand other realities, recognise the impact of our presence and find ways to participate and contribute. At the same time, each person brings experiences, knowledge and abilities that can enrich community life.
Through dialogue, learning and intercultural encounters, we aim to bring people closer together and contribute to relationships of trust, belonging and solidarity.
Our commitment
Human rights, social justice, equal opportunities and collective responsibility guide our work.
We value listening, confidentiality, diversity and non-discrimination. We also recognise that integration depends on social conditions, accessible services and appropriate institutional responses. Promoting autonomy and participation complements the responsibility of public institutions to uphold rights and address inequalities.
Community and intercultural work
SOcial understands integration as a collective process involving both migrants and the communities they become part of.
Migration, cultural diversity and tourism transform places, creating opportunities for mutual enrichment, as well as social challenges that need to be understood and addressed.
Our approach values intercultural dialogue, awareness of different social realities, recognition of each person's contributions and active participation in community life.
Building on our experience of social guidance and support, alongside activities that encourage communication and connection, we seek to develop this dimension through initiatives and partnerships with associations, institutions and local communities.
We aim to contribute to a greater understanding of the impacts of human mobility on local areas, encourage shared responsibility, and foster relationships grounded in mutual respect, social justice and the protection of the rights of both newcomers and those already living in the community.
Propose a collaboration →Sandra Ordoño Pozueta
Founder of SOcial · Background in Social Work
I am Spanish, hold a degree in Social Work from the University of Salamanca, have studied Psychology, and have lived in Portugal for more than fifteen years.
I bring together an understanding of the emotional, relational and social dimensions of migration with practical knowledge of migration processes and Portuguese services and administrative systems.
My work centres on each person and their specific needs, respecting their journey, circumstances, pace and ability to make their own decisions. My own experience as a migrant informs this approach, reinforcing the importance of empathy, clarity and respect for different migration experiences.
SOcial grew out of this background and a commitment to offering social support that is human, informed and responsible. It is also a space for developing learning and community activities that bring people together and encourage participation in the community where we live.
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