We are a non-profit youth organization based in the village of Arrouquelas, in the municipality of Rio Maior, in the district of Santarém. Our Association, founded in 1996 by a group of young people who lived in the parish of Arrouquelas, arose from the need to fill the lack of opportunities for young people in the village. Over the years it has grown and today has more than 100 members aged between 12 and 35.

The values and mission of “H2O” have been defined and focused on a social and environmental level, creating and developing various projects and activities at local, national and international level, with a focus on the sustainable development of the village. Youth volunteering and non-formal education are our pillars and it is through these tools that we aim to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation and find ways to mitigate the social problems inherent in rural life.

H2O's mission is to create ways for young people to participate and communicate by promoting educational projects at local, regional and international level, based on non-formal education, creativity, innovation and the irreverence that is characteristic of young people, promoting citizenship habits that accompany young people's socio-pedagogical development.

H2O's strategy is based on the voluntary and committed work of its young people, using group dynamics to promote communication between peers and the acquisition of skills, in favor of the social development of their community and the personal development of each individual. We value teamwork with an attitude of accountability and openness to innovation, without dogmas or preconceived ideas, respecting cultural diversity and fostering European awareness. We want to develop local, regional and international initiatives with the active participation of young people.