Former Coimbra students establish local association

A group of residents is establishing a new association comprising graduates of the Portuguese University of Coimbra (UC) living in Macau. The group aims to relive traditions and support cultural and artistic activities here.
“It’s an association [aimed] at bringing together all those that – in one way or another – are connected to Coimbra; some because they were born there and others because they have studied there and [think of] the city as theirs,” said José Rocha Dinis, publisher of newspaper Tribuna de Macau.
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe, dating back to 1290. The city is regarded as a premier destination for many Portuguese students who are seeking to further their studies.
Besides uniting former students and those who were born or grew up there, the association also aims to strengthen ties between former students living in Macau.
Furthermore, the association will also promote social, cultural, artistic, and sports activities in Macau, while also providing support for people from Coimbra or former UC students who have decided to move to the city, helping them fit in.
“It may seem like it’s not much, but there are many things that could be done within this area. The input of those who were born or studied in Coimbra can help further the links between Macau and Coimbra,” Mr Dinis added.
He further added said that the idea of establishing a UC students’ association in Macau actually dates back to 2013, after former students gathered for a dinner. The idea began taking shape at another dinner last year.
“Now it’s time to set up a meeting again. [It] is scheduled for February 7, so that we can officially launch this association, which has a lot of work ahead,” he revealed.