In May, the European month dedicated to diversity, NOVA University Lisbon reaffirmed its commitment to its core values by collaborating with the Portuguese Association for Diversity and Inclusion (APPDI). As a signatory of the Portuguese Diversity Charter, NOVA belongs to a network of over 560 organisations dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive society.
Since 2024, NOVA’s Academic Division has actively participated in APPDI’s Education Working Group, which aims to engage educational institutions in the development and promotion of inclusive educational projects. One of these initiatives is the original story LiLi the Giraffe, the giraffe with no spots, created as a didactic resource for primary and elementary school children.
The story was first shared with children attending a summer camp organised by NOVA’s Social Services (SASNOVA), where they listened to the story and drew their own spot-free giraffes, engaging in a playful activity that fostered empathy and acceptance of difference.
To support the international reach of this project, APPDI requested an English translation of the story to present it to the European Commission and share it with international partners. NOVA answered the call through a collaboration between the Academic Division and NOVA FCSH, involving Professor Marco Neves, a lecturer in translation, and student Flavia Della Valle.
Following the translation, NOVA’s Academic Division also oversaw the editorial work and design of an illustrated e-book, now ready to be shared across Europe and beyond.