Desafia-TE: External evaluation of a local project to combat the social exclusion of young students

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to analyse young people’s perceptions regarding the impact of the Desafia-TE (D-TE) project implemented in the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, located in the North of Portugal. D-TE is a program created for young students (14-18 years old) who show worrying indicators of risk of social exclusion, such as lack of motivation, academic failure, and limited access to meaningful educational experiences. In this study, a mixed methodological design was adopted, using questionnaire surveys (N = 33), interviews (N = 6) with young people who participated in the various editions of the D-TE project, and focus group discussions (N = 13). The results show the existence of a positive perception regarding the impact on the personal and relational skills of the young participants. Regarding the impact on school specifically, young people reveal an ambivalent perception. Overall, the participants enjoyed the experience and would repeat it. The role of D-TE in personal development, social integration, and the construction of life projects for young people at risk of exclusion is discussed. The developmental quality of experiences and the school as a potential exclusion device emerge as topics of analysis that legitimise D-TE as a viable alternative to promote greater social justice.