Year 2024
On 31 October 2024, Madeira Friends was invited by Escola da APEL and the Arte.M Association to speak with a group of students aged 16 and up about the transformative power of digitalization. Held in Portuguese and attended by around 25 students, the session offered real-world insights into how digital tools can drive community building, social projects, and professional development.
Luís Calado, co-founder of Madeira Friends — a nonprofit association focused on integrating internationals into Madeira’s society — shared the organization’s story, from its beginnings as a small fitness initiative to becoming a dynamic, multicultural community. He highlighted how Madeira Friends used digital platforms to adapt, grow, and engage during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The talk illustrated how tools like social media, newsletters, and simple online systems helped connect people across borders and time zones, allowing the community to expand and stay active even during periods of isolation. Students were encouraged to think critically about the role of digital platforms in their own future projects — whether artistic, cultural, or social.
Beyond just storytelling, the session offered practical guidance on building a digital presence, navigating setbacks, and creating content that resonates. Luís also emphasized that trial and error is part of the process — and that not everything needs to be perfect to be impactful. Mistakes, he said, often lead to the best learning moments.
In an increasingly digital world, the ability to communicate, organize, and innovate online is a critical skill. Events like this are part of Madeira Friends’ broader mission to support not just current community members, but also the next generation of changemakers.
By sharing its journey and lessons learned, Madeira Friends hopes to inspire students to explore the potential of digital tools — not just as technology, but as a means of connection, creativity, and contribution.