MACAU (UCAN): The University of Saint Joseph (USJ), Macau, signed an agreement to enroll students from Portugal’s largest educational institution for socially disadvantaged children, according to a January 1 report in the city’s Catholic weekly, Jornal-O-Clarim.
Álvaro Barbosa, vice-rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs of USJ, said that the agreement with the Lisbon-based Casa de Pia Lisboa, a public institution under the Portuguese government dedicated to helping youngsters at risk of social exclusion or without parental support, was signed in mid-December.
Barbosa said they expect the first students from Portugal to arrive before the upcoming academic year, following an agreement on educational, technical, and cultural cooperation.
The students admitted to the University of Saint Joseph are recommended by Casa Pia and will be offered scholarships. The agreement was first suggested in May 2023, during a visit of rector, Stephen J Morgan, to Lisbon.
A press release said the two institutes negotiated an agreement to help them “create synergies that could promote the technical, human, and academic development of students and professionals from both institutions. “
Founded by Queen Maria I in 1780, Casa de Pia Lisboa comprises 10 schools and colleges and currently offers education, training and care to around 3,000 students, as well as boarding for 200 underprivileged children.
It was established in response to the social disarray following the devastating 1755 earthquake. Its mission is to enable disadvantaged young people to become healthy and successful members of society.
