From January 23rd to 25th, between the passing of Storm Ingrid and the arrival of Kristin, «Palavras que Contam» (Words that Count) found its own creative anticyclone: three days of respite from the outside noise to dive into the essentials — writing, illustrating, revising, and finalizing.
The project’s 2nd residential retreat, promoted by the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal, once again brought together a group of 17 young authors for a period of concentrated work and sharing. The goal was clear: to close a cycle by completing the manuscripts for submission to the partner publisher, Almedina.
Through revisions, final touches and close mentoring, the stories took their final shape and gained consistency, ready for the editing phase. Now, as Almedina begins the editorial work on the texts, the group is starting to open a new chapter. During this retreat, the project’s next milestone also began to be collectively imagined: the Literary Festival, set to take place in Sintra on May 30, 2026. This will be a space to present the published works and celebrate the creative journeys of these young people. Ideas, formats, activities and aspirations for that day began to take shape, laying the foundations for what is intended to be a true celebration of the written word.
In parallel, «Palavras que Contam» continues to grow within the community. The project is currently facilitating six creative mini-cycles with three classes from the Ferreira de Castro Basic and Secondary School (Mem Martins) and three classes from the Matias Aires Secondary School (Agualva). This involves approximately 120 young people in the production of their own mini-zines, expanding access to writing, illustration and authorial expression.
In addition to the publishing partnership, «Palavras que Contam» has the Sintra Municipal Council as a social investor, and benefits from the support of many people — both within and outside the municipality — who, in schools, associations and institutions, help daily to make it possible for these young people to see themselves as authors. The Sintra Second Chance School remains a close and constant partner. To one and all, we are deeply grateful.
