“Nothing to Lose and Everything to Gain”: ALMA’s Success in Portugal
Not long ago, Débora Ferreira from Portugal was stuck in a place that felt like nowhere: “I had no job, no motivation and no desire to do anything at all,” she says, remembering the heavy silence that filled her days.
Like so many young people across Europe, she had fallen into that invisible space of being not in employment, education or training, but behind it was a story of uncertainty, fear, and the slow erosion of self-belief.
Then something small, but extraordinary, happened. Her mother told her about an initiative called ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve), and more specifically, about a project in Portugal called the Step into Better Project (SBP).
“At that moment,” Débora says, “I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
That single decision – to say yes – would mark the beginning of a transformation she never expected.
A Journey Crafted with Care
ALMA is no ordinary initiative. Designed and co-funded by the European Union, and implemented through the European Social Fund Plus Social Innovation+ initiative, it provides tailored support for young people aged 18 to 29, just like Débora.
Each ALMA project includes three key stages: preparatory training in the participant’s home country, a work-related learning experience abroad, and follow-up support after returning home. In other words, it’s not about throwing young people into the deep end, it’s about walking beside them, step by step.
SBP, the Portuguese-led project within the initiative, was coordinated by Omnis Factum Associação. Under the guidance of its President, Vasco Fernandes, 20 young participants were given four months of preparation, followed by two months of work-related learning experience in Spain.
“We chose the Spanish city of Málaga because it connects with our culture,” says Vasco. “Many of our participants hadn’t had access to formal education or language courses. Spanish is similar to Portuguese, which gives them a chance to adapt without being overwhelmed.”
Débora, like her peers, was offered a chance to step into something better. And for the first time in years, she stepped forward.
“I Challenged Myself in Every Way”
The project started with intensive training, which included a variety of topics from personal development and professional skills workshops to cultural language classes. It equipped the youth with skills and knowledge, and prepared them for the next step: travelling abroad.
“This experience had a big impact on me. I pushed myself in every way, even through my own fears,” she says.
In Málaga, Débora worked as a kindergarten assistant, which pushed her even further beyond the boundaries of her comfort zone. Despite that, she learned a lot and today she summarises everything in three simple words: “I loved it!”
There’s an unmistakable strength in her voice now – something that wasn’t there before. The old Débora, the one who didn’t believe she could offer anything, began to fade away, replaced by someone who had been seen, valued and trusted.
Through hands-on experience, mentorship and training, Débora began to rebuild not just her CV, but her entire outlook on life.
“It opened my eyes to my place in the world,” she says. “I realised there’s so much more to see and discover.”
From Doubt to Determination
Vasco Fernandes, who coordinated the SBP project, saw this transformation not just in Débora, but in nearly every participant.
“When they arrived, they didn’t believe in themselves. They had this spirit of giving up very easily,” he explains. “Now, they have a different mentality. They know they can change their lives. They’re not afraid to try.”
And the results are remarkable. Out of 20 participants, 18 are now working, studying or in training, with one more set to begin a specialist course very soon. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a collection of stories about hope, rediscovery, and moving forward.
One of the most powerful shifts, according to Vasco, was how the project gave young people permission to choose differently.
“We worked on the idea that it’s okay to change direction,” he says. “Just because you studied something doesn’t mean you have to stay there if it doesn’t make you happy.”
In fact, some participants have not only found, but already changed jobs, seeking better conditions, more meaningful work, or simply a new beginning.
“Before, they would stay in a job they hated,” Vasco says. “Now, they say, ‘I want to change, and I will do it.’ That’s real success.”
Empowered by Europe, Uplifted by People
Behind each transformed life is a network of mentors, trainers and support staff who believe deeply in the power of second chances. ALMA’s structure includes ongoing psychological and emotional support, which is a crucial ingredient for young people coming from complex or challenging backgrounds.
“We don’t just send them abroad and forget them,” Vasco emphasises. “We walk with them, from beginning to end. That’s why ALMA stands out from the crowd.”
Débora echoes that sentiment: “I was lucky to have good trainers,” she says. “They made all the difference.”
What also makes this story more than just a local success is how it reflects a broader truth: when European countries come together, young lives can change.
Initiatives like ALMA are a reminder that opportunity should not depend on where you’re born or the challenges you’ve faced. It should be a shared promise, a common ground.
“I want a job that lets me discover other cultures, like I did with Spain,” Débora says. Her eyes are no longer fixed on the floor. They’re looking outward. Upward. Forward.
To others considering joining ALMA, she offers this simple advice: “Even if you’re scared or unsure, go for it. In the end, it will be worth it.”
Débora’s story is inspiring, but it is just one of many. Across Europe, young people are discovering who they are and what they can become with a little support, a little courage, and a project that believes in them before they even believe in themselves. Because every young person deserves a chance to Aim, Learn, Master and Achieve.
Learn more: SBP project