Our VISION

"The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you."

Carl Jung

 Jardim da Cura: An Exclusive Program for the Sustainable Development of Adolescents

Our society faces an increasing challenge: more and more young people are being derailed by mental and social problems. Through intensive, therapeutic care in a paradise-like setting, Jardim da Cura guides young people back toward a healthy and stable life. Their custom tailored programs are aimed at privileged families and supported by sponsors who want to invest in the future of today's youth.

Jardim da Cura, located on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal, has been hosting German and English speaking youths with their unique therapy program aimed at the rehabilitation and successful reintroduction of vulnerable adolescents back into their communities.

Alternatives to Negative Life Paths

Some youth come to Jardim da Cura as an alternative to incarceration. We collaborate with judges and prosecutors to assure them that these youth will receive the necessary treatment to make meaningful changes in their personal lives. Our goal is to help them return to their home environments equipped with new coping mechanisms and more adaptive ways of interacting with their families, peers, and school personnel.

Jardim da Cura alleviates the burden on care facilities and youth services while helping adolescents reintegrate into society in a healthy way. Children and adolescents who struggle with severe mental health issues, family difficulties, or behavioral challenges greatly benefit from an immersive, natural environment that provides both emotional support and structure. By living alongside an experienced team of educators and psychologists, they develop not only self-esteem and emotional stability, but they also improve their self-perception and gain new social skills that prepare them for life after reformation. Intuition and communication involve the ability to recognize and communicate personal boundaries appropriately and in a timely manner, thereby preventing violence and victimization. With these three key competencies, we empower them to lead fulfilling and self-determined lives. These young people return as stable, responsible individuals, contributing positively to the social dynamic of their respective communities.

Sara is now 19 but was a resident of Jardim da Cura when she was 17. "…I got into all kinds of trouble with the police. They wanted to send me to prison but my mom found out about Mr. Bob and Madeira. I stayed with them for almost a year. They completely changed my life around. I learned first how to love myself and then respect myself. Today I don't use drugs and no more trouble with the police. I basically am a new person and have learned so much about me and I have a purpose for my life and my future. If my mom never found Madeira and Mr. Bob, I'd probably be in prison or maybe dead. I owe my new life to these guys in Madeira."

The Jardim da Cura Concept: A Systemic Approach

The concept of Jardim da Cura is based on a systemic approach that views the adolescent as part of a larger network, aiming to strengthen both the individual and their relationships. The focus is on emotional and social rehabilitation, with impressive success rates, even among severely troubled adolescents. Regular follow-up care, including support for families and care-givers, ensures the long-term success of the program.

Robert Geniesse, M.A. with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Clinical Psychology, is the FOUNDER / DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST at Jardim da Cura. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, he has dedicated his 38-year career to working with troubled or criminally involved youth, adopting the motto: "Failure is not an option." Geniesse has worked with young people who have tried everything without success, and he offers them an intensive, trusting therapeutic relationship. "Through my soft, kind-hearted approach, I first build trust and then confront maladaptive thinking patterns to foster lasting behavioral change."

Jardim da Cura's primary goal is to enhance young people's self-awareness, build confidence and learn communication skills. "Our intervention techniques are designed to increase their motivation and support their pursuit of happiness," Tanja Fenz, the Program Coordinator emphasizes. Adolescents learn to recognize personal boundaries, communicate them clearly, and prevent both violence and victimization. By developing these skills, they are empowered to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Exclusivity and Individuality – Tailored Care for Children

Jardim da Cura is not an ordinary therapy program. Here, adolescents live for a year or longer in an exclusive 1:1 setting with a personal educator or psychologist on the island of Madeira. The Jardim da Cura program accommodates a maximum of three adolescents at a time, ensuring personalized, individual care at the highest level. Accommodation is provided at the tranquil Casa Zen, an idyllic estate with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and continuous care from experienced professionals, creates an exclusive, private environment for the adolescents. Shielded from negative influences and surrounded by breathtaking nature, they find peace, distance, and new perspectives. This intensive care, along with a variety of therapeutic activities — ranging from art, martial arts and gardening to water sports like surfing and swimming with dolphins — creates the foundation for sustainable change. Madeira, with its year-round mild climate and seclusion, provides the perfect environment for healing and personal development.

Our holistic approach, which combines intensive psychological support with unique nature experiences and healing activities, helps adolescents discover their hidden strengths. Whether canyoning, participating in pottery workshops, or engaging in art therapy sessions, every moment is aimed at strengthening self-confidence and fostering the ability to self-regulate.

A Meaningful Contribution to Society

Parents who invest in their children's well-being not only contribute to their personal success but also make a valuable contribution to society. Supporting Jardim da Cura alleviates the burden on care facilities and youth services while helping adolescents reintegrate into society. These young people return as stable, responsible individuals, contributing positively to the social dynamic of their respective communities.

Jardim da Cura offers a unique opportunity to make a long-lasting investment in your child's life. Tuition includes accommodation, meals, and therapeutic activities—parents provide their children with intensive, high-quality care and a life-changing experience.

Phillip was 14 when he was here. Today he is doing well in Berlin and living with his family. "Without the Madeira program I would be locked up. My life was a fricking mess. Disaster everywhere. Then I went to Madeira. They changed my life in ways I can't explain. Today I am happy back with my family, back in school and I don't use drugs or drink. You could say I am a new boy. My family says I am so different and the truth is that I am different. And I like it this way."

Sponsorship opportunities are available 

Sponsorship opportunities are available to support these young people on their journey towards a fulfilling life while fostering positive societal change. As a sponsor, you can help cultivate a new generation of young people who will grow into confident, reflective, and socially integrated adults. "Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in the long run." Let us pave the way together—for your child, and for our society.