Involving the community in students' project-based learning
Manuela Valentim
Manuela teaches in a public middle school in the south of Portugal. Despite budget constraints, her teaching environment is lively, and enhanced by student-created artwork. Manuela guided a project called ‘Seafishient’, to promote sustainable fish consumption, driven by her students’ concern for local overfishing and biodiversity. Manuela’s students conducted research, organized a ‘blue week’, and involved the community through culinary workshops and marine litter exhibitions. Manuela finds great satisfaction in students’ growth and pride in their projects. She values virtual interactions for international collaborations and encourages active, impactful learning as “every small action contributes to change”.
Listen to Manuela
“I have a motto, I have something that I always say to my students: that no action is too small and it is our duty to make our part, so get involved, be active, become real changemakers.”
Manuela Valentim
Manuela Valentim
Manuela Valentim is a passionate educator based in Olhão, a coastal town in southern Portugal. Dedicated to enhancing student learning, she teaches at a public school where she focuses on innovative and engaging teaching methods. As a leader at Innovation Lab Schools, Manuela promotes educational reform, fostering creativity and critical thinking among her students. With a strong background in curriculum design, she is committed to empowering teachers and learners. She is passionate about climate education. Through her work, Manuela strives to create inspiring and inclusive learning environments that cultivate a love for knowledge, nature and personal growth.
