TEHIC-Handbook_of_best_practices

146 TEHIC Towards a European Heritage Interpretation Curriculum 7.3.1. Discovering Lisbon’s African Heritage and Brazil), partly due to the increase of American and Brazilian tourists, for whom these themes are significant subjects of debate. In Portugal, the association has worked more regularly with Casa Pia school, within the framework of a partnership, but in general schools do not ask for these visits. Occasionally university students or cultural professionals also participate in these activities. Positive impact on the community This heritage offer presents an alternative account of the presence of African people in Portugal. In schools and many governmental institutions, such as museums, the narratives that are presented regarding the history of Portugal and Lisbon range from the glorification of the Portuguese Empire to the superficial approach to the geopolitical history which does not reflect on demographic shifts along history. The view presented in these visits is a mirror to the Eurocentric narrative, and as such it invites participants to reflect on the ideas they have been exposed to. As such, it may trigger healthy critical thinking strategies from participants that are prone to it. It can also, similarly to Eurocentric speeches, promote a sense of pride to individuals who have the need to feel represented in historical events. The guide presenting the stories of notable Africans and African descendants in front of the statue of Doutor Sousa Martins, one of the notables. © Mapa das Ideias.