NGDO recognised by Instituto Camões, I.P. · since 2020
Reducing inequality and protecting the planet, one volunteer at a time.
World Needs® is a private, non-profit association, established on 26 May 2020, connecting Portuguese volunteers with communities in Portugal and Cape Verde in education, social action and the environment.
Who we are
A youth association that became an NGDO without losing its volunteering spirit.
From its origin as an association to becoming a Registered Trademark, World Needs® evolved into a Non-Governmental Development Organisation, always built on the work of volunteers who crossed our path and wanted to stay. We are a youth association registered with IPDJ, I.P., and a satellite entity aligned with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Our board is chaired by André Caravela Machado, headquartered in Vale de Cambra, Aveiro district.
Read our story
Projects & initiatives
The volunteering work we do, on the ground.
From Cape Verde to the beaches of Aveiro, each project responds to a concrete need identified together with communities and our partners.
Cape Verde - Santiago Island
Volunteering in education and social work, in partnership with local organisations and Cape Verde's Ministries of the Environment and Education.
Learn more →Coastal Clean-up
Two actions a year (April and September) at Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro, as part of International Coastal Clean-up Day.
Learn more →Always at Hand
Tackling isolation among older people through regular calls and video calls, in partnership with a social solidarity institution.
Learn more →Goods and Toys
Collection and delivery of non-perishable goods and toys to institutions, from the north to the south of the country.
Learn more →Academy
Training and capacity-building around volunteering, for those who want to learn before taking action.
Learn more →Corporate CSR Programmes
Design and implementation of social and environmental responsibility plans for partner companies.
Learn more →In pictures
Moments from our missions and work on the ground.
Click any photo to see it in detail.
International commitments
Aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
Our Social and Environmental Responsibility Plan makes a priority commitment to five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and reinforces our alignment with the Paris Agreement (COP21) on reducing emissions and promoting climate resilience.
There's always a place for you.
Become a member, volunteer or partner - and help us continue the journey that began in 2020.