Nursery
A calm, safe and loving space inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia and outdoor learning, where every baby grows at their own pace.
Terceira Island · Azores · since 2009
Every day ends with a happy sunset
Nursery, after-school club and holiday camps where children play, discover and grow with time, care and plenty of imagination — and a whole community dreaming alongside them.
Hello! I'm Poentis, the most curious turtle on Terceira. Come and see my home!
Who we are
An institution where what matters is people, all of them
We promote local development and community wellbeing, making sure that every child, young person and family, whatever their circumstances, has access to high-quality educational and social opportunities — through innovation, inclusion and close work with local and international partners.
- Cooperation
- Organisation
- Pride
- Participation
- Respect
- Solidarity
17 years growing together
Care and social services
Growing up happy, from cradle to playground
Safe, loving spaces full of discovery, designed for every age and every family.
After-School Club (CATL)
A safe and fun space outside school hours where children learn by doing, through projects, games and plenty of say in what happens.
Our impact
Small steps, big journeys
- 383 children in our nurseries and after-school centres December 2024 figures
- 72 holiday camp participants 2025 editions
- 68 people on our team December 2024 figures
- 5 centres across Terceira Island
Community impact
SOS Casa:
We repair lives
A social business run by Olhar Poente offering small repairs, cleaning and gardening across Terceira — with lower prices for vulnerable families, jobs for people over 55 and profits that go back to the children.
12vulnerable families with access to repair, cleaning and gardening services
3jobs for long-term unemployed people over 55 in vulnerable circumstances
22financially secure families who have joined the solidarity model
Social innovation
Projects that change the island
3EAZ
Empowerment, education and employment for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Praia da Vitória: 150 young people, 18 months and three paths …
ODS 4: Quality educationODS 8: Decent work and economic growthODS 10: Reduced inequalities
Olhar Poente Academia
Born during the pandemic to help pupils catch up, the Academia now brings together study support, personal development and holiday camps — and 94% of its …
ODS 4: Quality educationODS 10: Reduced inequalities
Volunteering
A volunteering programme that brings people of all ages together with our children and families — and one of ten national winners of a fund managed …
ODS 10: Reduced inequalitiesODS 11: Sustainable cities and communitiesODS 17: Partnerships for the goals
European and Erasmus+ Projects
We take Terceira to Europe and bring Europe to Terceira, with innovation and mobility projects for children, young people and professionals.
ODS 4: Quality educationODS 17: Partnerships for the goals
Training and Qualifications
Certified training for professionals and the community, and the Island Congress on innovation in teaching.
ODS 4: Quality educationODS 8: Decent work and economic growth
Event Organisation
From the Island Congress to the Olhar Poente Talks, we create events that inspire the education community.
ODS 4: Quality educationODS 11: Sustainable cities and communities
In parents' words
What families say
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I have to praise the wonderful work that Mariana, the educator, and the assistants at the Vila Nova nursery did with my daughter Benedita. They showed boundless humanity, care and affection. The phrase we heard most was "in her own time". They truly went above and beyond to make her feel safe.
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From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the whole team who supported our son's personal and social growth over these years. They were vital in helping him become a curious, knowledge-hungry and thoughtful child.
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Simão was diagnosed with autism. We know he brought many challenges for the people guiding him, but they were never daunted. We always worked together. As well as being excellent professionals, they are incredible human beings. They embraced our son and gave us back to society as a family.
What's on
News from our community
16Oct
2nd Island Congress · Looking to the Future
Two days on innovation in teaching practice, with 23 regional, national and international speakers, debate panels and three workshops. In person or online, accredited …
3EAZ: young people learn to manage anxiety before job interviews
Through practical exercises, breathing techniques and mock interviews, 3EAZ participants got ready to face recruitment processes with more confidence.
2nd Island Congress accredited for teacher training
The congress 'Looking to the Future – Innovating in Teaching Practice' takes place on 16 and 17 October at the Ramo Grande Auditorium.
Grandparents' Day filled our centres with hugs
Grandparents and grandchildren spent the morning together painting, singing and sharing stories from the old days.
Get involved
Help us light up more smiles
Every gesture counts: become a member, make a donation, give 1% of your income tax or volunteer some of your time.
