In Lisbon, school gates are opening after hours. At the Gil Vicente School, a community garden has sprung up and, on Saturdays, the playground becomes a safe space for children and families. At Liceu Camões, there are evening classes for immigrants, film and music sessions.
When we think of school, we think of waking up early to catch the bus, the hour-and-a-half classes, the surprise tests, the homework that took away our time to play, the exams at the end of the year and the stress until the grades came out. The last day of school is celebrated as a victory and going back to school becomes an activity practically reserved for exercising the right to vote.
But the school can be much more than just a place to pass through and focus on teaching. It can be a space open to the neighborhood, where exhibitions, film screenings, conferences or concerts can be held. Where local associations can have a space to meet. Where athletes from sports clubs can practice, thus activating the pavilions. Where urban agriculture can take place. Where children and families can play without fear of cars. Where those most in need can dine at affordable prices.
As a rule, despite all these possibilities, the school is still a closed space with a timetable limited to teaching activities. But, as with all rules, there are exceptions, and some may inspire you to change these rules. In this report, we went to see examples of schools in Lisbon that establish relationships with the city around them and are open beyond school hours.
