CEBI Foundation
Based in Alverca, in Vila Franca de Xira, where its activities began in 1968, from the initiative and will to intervene of a group of residents from this city, led by José Álvaro Vidal, its growth was defined in accordance with innovative responses that were adequate to the pressing social needs.
In its initial format, CEBI – Centro de Bem-Estar Infantil (Children Welfare Centre) started its activity as a kindergarten, with the support of Alverca’s local church. The local Entities took interest in the actions that were taking place, and contributed to its growth and development. OGMA – Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico S.A. currently, OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal S.A.(Aviation Industry), and Vila Franca’s City Hall were an example of that, by taking part, from an early beginning, in this project.
After a long process of transformation, on 25th November 1995, CEBI was marked as a Foundation, instituting the following founding elements: the Association LAC - Liga de Amigos do CEBI, a bank Santander Totta and OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal.
Through its vast branch of activities, it daily support, around 3000 families and by being an important career maker, with over 400 workers.
The various configurations of the organic structure of the CEBI Foundation have always had the purpose of bettering the ability to respond to the social, educational and health related needs of the community, as an active agent of change – ‘the important was to be useful to others, transform wishes into accomplished tasks, make solutions out of concerns, create opportunities where some only saw obstacles’ – as is referred in the book “Por Todos” edited in the 40th anniversary of CEBI.
The various configurations of the organic structure of the CEBI Foundation have always had the purpose of bettering the ability to respond to the social, educational and health related needs of the community, as an active agent of change – ‘the important was to be useful to others, transform wishes into accomplished tasks, make solutions out of concerns, create opportunities where some only saw obstacles’ – as is referred in the book “Por Todos” edited in the 40th anniversary of CEBI.Its intervention is extended far from the city of Alverca, to Mafra and Arruda dos Vinhos.