For five inspiring days in Santarém, Portugal, students from eight countries participating in the ACE2-EU Alliance came together to explore project management, social value, and innovative approaches to community impact through an Erasmus-funded Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).

As part of the program, PM4NGOs presented a real-world challenge: imagining how local PM4NGOs Hubs could be established and strengthened across Europe. Working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, students analyzed different national contexts and developed strategic proposals for creating stronger connections between universities, NGOs, and local communities.

Using design thinking methodologies, participants examined opportunities and barriers across several countries, including Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and Romania. Their ideas and recommendations were later presented to the academic community during an open public fair, showcasing creative solutions and collaborative approaches to strengthening professional project management networks.

Beyond the practical application of project management concepts, tools, and techniques, the experience fostered intercultural learning and reinforced shared values of solidarity, innovation, and sustainability among the students.

PM4NGOs extends its sincere gratitude to Professor Irene Ciccarino, PM4NGOs Champion in Portugal, for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to developing the next generation of project management professionals. We are also grateful to every student who embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine desire to create positive change.

Initiatives like this demonstrate the power of learning through practice and highlight how collaboration between academia, civil society, and development professionals can help build stronger communities and a more impactful future.