Have you ever imagined visiting a refugee camp in Bangladesh? Or flying in the cockpit of a Canadair firefighting plane? And see what it's like to go to school in Kenya? These are the three virtual reality experiences that the exhibition “EU Saves Lives” offers until the next 11th of August, at the Aqua Portimão shopping centre.
After visiting 30 European cities, the exhibition, which opened this Friday, 2 August, ends with a visit to the Algarve.
Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said at the time that it was "a special day". It is because the exhibition makes "people understand better the role of the European Union" in these issues of help to those who need it most.
«The choice of Portugal was not accidental, but symbolic: it is a recognition of your country's essential role in the European disaster response mechanism. And it is also a tribute to all the victims of the catastrophic fires of recent years”, said the European commissioner.
«This exhibition will stay in Portimão for the next 10 days. I ask you to pass the message on to your family, friends and colleagues. I have no doubt that everyone will learn a lot and enjoy this experience. It is a unique opportunity for Portimão to see what Europe does for us and shows how the European Union protects and saves lives,” said Cypriot Christos Stylianides.
Isilda Gomes, mayor of Portimão, could not agree more. «I was very happy and satisfied that Portimão hosted this exhibition. It is recognition that we have done a good job. The exhibition is also a way for people to experience, through technological means, what could be a real situation», said the mayor.
For Isilda Gomes, everyone who visits the exhibition, which has free admission, will leave "more aware of the importance of our preparation and the fact that each one of us should be an agent of civil protection."
"I believe people will become more sensitive to this, as well as to Europe's role in helping those who really need it most," he added.
Eduardo Cabrita, Minister of Internal Administration, was also present at the inauguration of the exhibition, a moment in which he highlighted the fact that «an idea of a solidary Europe is fundamental». Giving the example of refugees, the government official said that "we cannot see migration as a problem."
In this regard, Sgt. António Vieira, a GNR soldier, spoke about the missions of Frontex – European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders, in which he participated. “Emotions are always on the surface. Each situation is different, but there are rescues that we don't forget», he said.
As for the balance of Christos Stylianides' visit to Portimão, Isilda Gomes was quite satisfied. The European commissioner visited the Municipal Center for Civil Protection and Relief Operations, the Fire Department and the fire prevention work carried out in the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande.
«Portimão was considered by the commissioner, who has visited several countries and cities, as an example. He himself wants to continue coming to Portimão because he was sensitized and curious about how we are implementing measures to protect and safeguard citizens on the ground», concluded the mayor to journalists.
Admission to the exhibition, which has three virtual reality scenarios, is free. The show will be open from 9:00 am to 23:00 pm, on the ground floor of the Aqua Portimão Shopping Centre.
Photos: Helder Santos | Sul Informação
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