Homeless Heroes: the first-ever Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) within the HEROES Alliance

March 17 to 21, Instituto Politécnico de Beja (PT) hosted the first edition of the BIP “Homeless Heroes” in collaboration with HEROES partners: UCN (DK), SeAMK – Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (FI), Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (BE), Fontys University of Applied Sciences (NL).

Guided by 12 faculty members, this pioneering programme brought together 42 students from diverse national and academic backgrounds to tackle the issue of homelessness through challenge-based learning.

From SEAMK participated senior lecturers Marjut Asunmaa and Terhi Voltti.

Partnering with Cáritas Diocesana de Beja, students participated in hands-on workshops, field visits, and community dialogues – including with the President of CMBeja and the Councilor for Social Action. The goal was to co-create inclusive solutions that respond to local challenges with real-world impact.

The programme culminated in powerful student presentations on March 21, proposing innovative, community-rooted responses to Cáritas’ challenge. These outcomes not only reflected students’ creativity and commitment, but also the potential of academic-community partnerships to drive meaningful social change.

A big thank you to all the students, staff, and local partners who made this a week to remember!