From October 10th to 12th, the «Palavras que Contam» (Words that Count) project held its 1st retreat at the São Julião Holiday Camp in Mafra, promoted by the Aga Khan Foundation.
This retreat — set between the beach and the pine forest — marks the definitive beginning of the project’s production phase, which anticipates the publication of narrative works authored by young people within a national publishing landscape that under-represents them.
Seventeen young people from Sintra participated, supported by an educational team that includes experts in creative writing and illustration.
The group now enters the production process of their works, with a new residential retreat scheduled for January 2026.
The project is set to culminate in May 2026 with a literary festival in Sintra, where the produced narrative works and other project outcomes will be unveiled.
«Palavras que Contam» counts on the Sintra Town Council as a social investor and Almedina as a publishing partner.
It also relies on the support of many people — both inside and outside the municipality — who, in schools, associations and institutions, have helped make it possible for these young women to envision themselves as authors.
The Sintra Second Opportunity School stands out as a continuously present partner.
To everyone who participated, thank you very much.
