After the success of the 1st edition, the Peer2Peer project brings together students and young people with disabilities again
Following the success of the first edition, Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto is once again hosting Peer2Peer, an innovative program that promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities. The 2nd edition kicks off this month, with registrations now open, reinforcing Católica’s commitment to diversity, equal opportunities, and preparation for the labor market.
The project, which has proven to have a transformative impact on participants, once again pairs university students with young people with disabilities for an 11-week journey focused on self-knowledge and the development of skills for the labor market.
Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto hosts this project in the North, funded through the Partnerships for Social Innovation program, in partnership with the Inclusive Community Forum of Nova SBE. Over the next three years, the goal is to implement Peer2Peer across the five districts of the Northern region, making it an autonomous, student-led project.
For a more inclusive society
In the 1st edition, which took place from February to May this year, registrations were fully booked immediately after opening. Two groups of 10 pairs each were formed. Over the 11 weeks, 21 students and 22 young people with disabilities or neurodiversity explored topics such as self-knowledge, skills development for the labor market, and mock interviews with human resources professionals.
The results were clear: participants increased awareness of diversity and inclusion topics, left better prepared for entering the labor market, created friendships and mutual support networks, and established connections that remain active to this day.
Peer2Peer demonstrates a real impact, allowing students to build relationships that overcome barriers and, as future leaders, contribute to a more inclusive society.
The program counts on the collaboration of the UCP Porto Student and Employability Office, the Career and Development Office of Católica Porto Business School, recruitment and selection companies, as well as testimonials from professionals with disabilities already integrated into the labor market and from employer companies.
The 2nd edition starts this September. Any university student motivated to make a difference and learn from a new reality can participate in this experience, which has already transformed lives in Lisbon and Porto.
Registrations are open until September 16th, and an introductory session is scheduled for September 12th.