What began in a small apartment has since grown into a vibrant organisation that has already served more than 7,000 people from over 70 nationalities, right here in Lisbon.

Gabriela and her husband, Ruben Faria, are also the pastors of Riverside Lisbon, an international church community in the city. Riverside has been an important partner in this journey, mobilising support, volunteers, and resources to help the Lisbon Project grow. This unique link between faith and action has strengthened the vision to serve those who arrive in Portugal seeking a fresh start.

Why does the Lisbon Project exist? Because behind the colourful streets and sunny skies, Portugal is also a country where many newcomers face serious challenges—language barriers, difficulty accessing jobs, lack of information, and the loneliness of starting over. Migrants and refugees arrive with courage and dreams, but often without the networks or resources to navigate life in a new country. That’s where we step in.

At the Lisbon Project, our mission is to integrate and empower. We run programs in five key areas: Education (Portuguese classes and tutoring), Employability (career coaching, upskilling, entrepreneurship mentorship), Social Care (legal and bureaucratic support), Benevolence (emergency aid and essentials), and Community Life (gatherings, youth activities, and cultural exchange). Every week, we mobilise around 200 volunteers and interns who dedicate their time and talent to making this vision a reality.

Why does this matter today? Because Portugal needs migration. From healthcare to construction to innovation, migrants are already vital contributors to our economy and society. Yet integration doesn’t happen automatically—it requires intentional support and collaboration. And in a world that feels increasingly polarised, we need voices—and tangible action—towards unity.

To learn more, get in touch at info@lisbonproject.org or make a donation at www.lisbonproject.org/donate. Together, we can turn diversity into strength.