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Who we are
In 2008, the "Ordem do Mérito das Índias Orientais" was born — a non-profit cultural association created to bring together sustainability, education, citizenship, and art. From the outset, our purpose was clear: to connect people through culture and create projects that would leave a real mark on communities.
Our origins
The "Ordem do Mérito das Índias Orientais" was founded in 2008 at the Municipal Museum of Penafiel by figures of recognised cultural and social importance. Among the founders and members of the advisory board were names such as Professor DeRose — writer and Grand Master of the Order —, Alberto Santos (writer and current Secretary of State for Culture), Manuel Pizarro (former Minister of Health), António Mateus (RTP reporter and writer), Zulmiro de Carvalho (sculptor and co-founder of the Júlio Resende Foundation – Lugar do Desenho), Dr. Vítor Dias (Director of the Portuguese Youth Institute/North), Dr. Susana Oliveira (Councillor for Culture of the Penafiel City Council) and Duques Rodrigues (lawyer and founding member of the Order).
From the outset, the Order has had a clear purpose: to recognise and honour those who make an exceptional contribution to culture, the arts, citizenship and society in general, by awarding medals and decorations.
First steps:
culture that inspires
In its early years, the Order dared to go beyond honorary distinctions. It created cultural events that broke paradigms, promoting citizenship and awareness in healthy and transformative environments. Such was the case with International Mandela Day at Casa da Música and the DeRose Party, also held there—the first event in Portugal completely free of alcohol, smoking, and drugs. It demonstrated that music, art and celebration can coexist with joy, responsibility and social awareness.
Since then, all of the "Ordem"'s events have had a common denominator: sustainability. Our experiences are 100% plant-based, reducing environmental impact and educating the public about more responsible and conscious lifestyles.
Expansion and partnerships
Over time, the "Ordem" consolidated its presence and broadened its horizons. It established collaborations with municipal councils, Casa do Infante, Rivoli Theatre, Alfândega do Porto, Livraria Lello & Irmão, Pousadas de Portugal and the Hilti Foundation. Between 2008 and 2015, it curated cultural events at the Lionesa Business Hub, one of the largest business centres in the country, bringing culture, innovation and community closer together.
The DeRose Festival Portugal, organised by the president and founder for over three decades, was incorporated into the "Ordem", reinforcing its international projection and connecting it to a global network of DeRose Method teachers and schools, which today has over 100 schools in various cities around the world.
Internationalisation and innovation
The Ordem's international vocation was consolidated with the Erasmus+ programmes, integrating cutting-edge projects such as Virtual Reality for Youth Skills. This consortium brought together institutions such as the Ibercaja Foundation and the Goya Museum (Spain), IMASCONO – Technology (Spain), the Museo interattivo di Pellizza da Volpedo (Italy) and Lubovna Castle – Stará Ľubovňa (Slovakia). The aim was to combine technology, art and pedagogy to develop the soft skills of the future in young Europeans.
This was followed by the creation of DeRose Concept Films, which gave rise to educational and interactive film cycles, as well as productions with international reach. Among these, the documentary “Two Friends, One Path” stands out, filmed in six cities around the world, which projects the Ordem’s vision that art and culture are drivers of social transformation.
A future in motion
Today, the Ordem is a dynamic and pluralistic institution that integrates a festival, soft skills school, cinema, educational programmes and cultural experiences. All projects reflect a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and innovative future, creating a truly cultural and human ecosystem that is joyful and transformative.
It is preparing projects that will take the Ordem's identity beyond borders, combining culture, joy, sustainability and well-being in immersive experiences that unite tradition and innovation.
At each stage, the Ordem seeks to improve and increase its impact because we know that every human being can — and should — be an inspiring and active agent in society. We continue to build bridges between people, cities and countries.
The future is humanistic and sustainable — and this is what drives us.
The future is humanist and sustainable:
and this is what drives us.
Professor DeRose
Founder and Grand Master
Honorary Doctorate and holder of titles of Notorious Knowledge from the University of Coimbra and several academic institutions in Brazil. He has been awarded the titles of Knight, Officer, Commander and Grand Cross by military, governmental and cultural entities, including the International Red Cross, the Order of Military Pharmaceutical Merit and the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. Author of more than 30 internationally published books, he is a member of institutions such as the Rotary Club and the Brazilian Association of UN International Peace Forces.
Luís Lopes
Fundador and President
DeRose Method teacher, mentor and emotional management specialist with over 30 years of experience. He has worked with business leaders, policy makers and prominent international figures, as well as organising pioneering events such as International Mandela Day and Clean Fest. He has collaborated with institutions such as the Hilti Foundation, Erasmus+, Livraria Lello and the South African Embassy, consolidating a career linked to culture, education and social impact.
Mité Campos
Executive Director
A nutritionist by training, with a master's degree in Oncology, she has dedicated more than a decade to the DeRose Method in Portugal and abroad. Director of the DeRose Festival Portugal, she leads projects that combine education, culture, and sustainability. Her international experience includes working with business leaders, artists, and public figures, combining science, art, and lifestyle in transformative experiences.
Duque Rodrigues
Co-Founder and Chief Advisor
Lawyer and businessman, founder of Duque Rodrigues & Associados and Lionesa Business Hub, one of the largest business centres in the country. With a consolidated career in the legal and investment areas, he has consistently supported the Order's strategy and institutional consolidation, ensuring legal coordination and liaison with public and private entities.
Alberto Santos
Co-Founder and Advisor
Alberto Santos (Secretary of State for Culture) is a lawyer, writer of historical novels and short stories, former Mayor of Penafiel and former President of the Municipal Assembly of Penafiel. He currently serves as Secretary of State for Culture in the 25th Constitutional Government and is also the author of books published in Portugal and abroad.
António Mateus
Advisor
A journalist and writer, he accompanied Nelson Mandela for a decade as head of the Lusa delegation in South Africa, also covering his funeral in 2013. He was a war reporter in Angola, the Great Lakes and Ukraine, interviewed six Nobel Prize winners and is the author of seven books, including Olhar o Mundo (Looking at the World). A lecturer on Africa, international conflicts and security, he trained in war journalism with the Portuguese Army.
Zulmiro de Carvalho
Advisor