Page 36 - AF_SINERGIA_37_Final_Online_EN_V1

SUSTAINABILITY

36

SINERGIA 37

MANUEL ANTÓNIO DA MOTA AWARD

Distinction in the fght

against poverty and social exclusion

Poverty-stricken children and elderly, school failure and early school leaving, low skill levels, inequality and discrimination in the exercise

of fundamental rights by persons with disabilities and immigrants also endanger

social inclusion.

Portugal and Europe experienced in recent decades remarkable economic and social development. At national and European level, material progress was responsible for improving the well-being and living conditions of an increasing number of people.

In Portugal, poverty and social exclusion, however, continue to afect a considerable number of citizens.Whilst a phenomenon resulting from the scarcity of resources to ensure basic needs and ensure a dignifed life, poverty persists in specifc population segments.

Its generational reproduction and its unequal distribution of gender within the national area, seriously afect the social and territorial cohesion of the country.

The risk of poverty particularly afects children and young people from low- -income families, single-parent families, disabled people, immigrants, unemployed

and elderly people. Poverty-stricken children and elderly, school failure and early school leaving, low skill levels, inequality and discrimination in the exercise of fundamental rights by persons with disabilities and immigrants also endanger social inclusion.

The fght against poverty and social exclusion is a national imperative and one of the greatest challenges of contemporary Portuguese society.

In the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Mota-Engil Group, following its commitment to an ethical, social and environmental responsible management, and on behalf of an active corporate citizenship, has contributed with its efort toward a fairer and more united Portugal.

The "Manuel António da Mota Award”, established in honor of the founder of the Group in line with his legacy of solidarity,