Youth at risk: Education for a future with dignity

Dear Donor,

We are pleased to share an overview of the activities carried out during the last months of 2025, made possible by your continued support.

Pedagogical support activities continued at full pace, reinforcing learning in Portuguese, Mathematics, and Computer Skills. These actions contributed significantly to the adolescents’ academic development and to strengthening their confidence in facing school challenges and future life projects.

In the last four months of 2025, in addition to academic support, the project focused on activities related to the world of work and artistic expression, under the theme:

Reflecting New Pathways: Youth, Education, and Opportunities

Professional Education and New Horizons

In September, we experienced a very special moment with the adolescents through a visit to SENAC, a professional training institution. The goal of this activity was to introduce different types of vocational and professional courses and to discuss educational pathways available to the project participants.

During the visit, a SENAC educator presented the institution’s free, technical, and professional courses, guided the group through the facilities of the Lapa Faustolo unit (located in the western region of São Paulo), and supported the adolescents in registering on the institution’s website. The group showed great interest and curiosity in learning about the campus and the courses offered.

To end the day on a joyful note, everyone celebrated McHappy Day with a special snack at McDonald’s, making the experience even more memorable.

Dreams in Motion and Futures Under Construction – 4th Grupo Nós Career Fair

Also in September, Grupo Nós enthusiastically organized its 4th Career Fair, an inspiring event filled with meaningful connections. The program began with a special roundtable discussion featuring a rapper and two former Grupo Nós participants, all of whom had lived in residential care services. They shared their life stories, challenges, achievements, and valuable advice about academic paths and the world of work.

Throughout the event, the adolescents took part in thematic workshops, including project writing; professional experiences in the beauty sector (with a salon professional); résumé development, LinkedIn use, interview preparation, and public speaking; conversations with a health professional; and the presentation of a financial organization tool designed for young people.

Institutions connected to vocational training and employment pathways were also present, allowing participants to register for apprenticeship courses and selection processes. The Career Fair is a milestone for Grupo Nós—an event where dreams are strengthened, horizons are expanded, and young people are encouraged to believe in their trajectories and futures with hope and enthusiasm.

Art and Culture that Connect

In October, the adolescents from Grupo Nós + Education had an inspiring experience at the Biennial. During the visit, they explored exhibitions by artists addressing themes such as identity, race, gender, social class, and the realities of urban peripheries. Guided by an event educator, the group received valuable insights into the artworks and the artists.

The adolescents greatly enjoyed the exhibitions. Beyond fostering interest in literature, the visit contributed to expanding their cultural and artistic repertoire. One participant shared:

“Wow, it’s the first time I’ve been interested in something like this. I really liked it.”
— Juliana, 15 years old

Gender, Health, and Adolescent Experiences

In November, we welcomed two specialist guests who led activities focused on Gender Identity and Health. The adolescents were organized into subgroups according to gender identity and participated in conversation circles and dynamic activities.

Among the boys, discussions encouraged reflections on masculinity, emotional repression, self-esteem, and experiences of violence. The girls’ group shared experiences related to gender-based violence, abusive relationships, and the everyday challenges faced by adolescent girls. The meetings created a safe space for listening, mutual support, and meaningful reflection on gender relations and their impact on young people’s lives.

2025 Evaluation, Perspectives for 2026, and a Picnic in Nature

To close the year, we held an evaluation meeting in November, combined with a picnic in a public park in São Paulo. The gathering began with the collective creation of a memory album, bringing together photos and texts reflecting on shared experiences throughout the year.

The adolescents then provided anonymous feedback—comments, suggestions, and evaluations—through a form. We concluded with a group discussion about educational pathways and professional goals for 2026. It was a productive and meaningful day, enjoyed outdoors and accompanied by a shared meal.

A Radical Year-End: Courage, Fun, and Stronger Bonds

In December, we wrapped up the year with joy and adventure. The adolescents were invited to spend a day at the Wet’n Wild water park. It was a day filled with fun, courage, and strengthened bonds between participants and the project’s educators—renewing everyone’s energy for 2026.

Thank you for making all of this possible.
Your support plays a vital role in ensuring continuity, meaningful learning experiences, and opportunities for the adolescents we accompany. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership.

Warm regards,

Dear donor,

I hope this message finds you well. Your support through GlobalGiving sustains the purpose of Grupo Nós + Educação at Instituto Fazendo História: to ensure quality learning, access to culture, and pathways into the world of work for adolescents living in shelters. We’re pleased to share the latest highlights below

We continue to support 15 adolescents with academic support in Portuguese, Math, and other core subjects. Our pedagogical approach respects different learning levels and promotes equitable, inclusive access to knowledge.

Learning and individualized plans
In July, our pedagogical progress reports—prepared with an individualized lens—documented each adolescent’s advances and guided the learning pathways we will follow in the next semester.

Transition to the world of work
Beyond academic support, 7 adolescents began vocational/skills courses at local institutions; of these, 3 have already started contracts as Young Apprentice (Jovem Aprendiz)—an important step toward autonomy and income.

Expedition to Bertioga: nature and new experiences
Early in the semester, we organized an expedition with adolescents from Grupo Nós and Grupo Nós + Educação to the beaches of Itaguaré and Indaiá (Bertioga/SP), guided by specialized ecotourism monitors. The group hiked the Itaguaré Trail to the Cantão do Indaiá, with socio-environmental guidance and practical workshops, including a stand-up paddleboarding experience. For some participants, it was their first time at the ocean—a day filled with emotion and discovery. The activity created a safe, stimulating environment that strengthened bonds, autonomy, and self-confidence; it also broadened their sense of territory, the importance of collective coexistence, and care for the environment. It offered a privileged space to observe cooperation, respect, and initiative among participants. The group also enjoyed a meal at Villa das Ostras, a local restaurant.

Expanding career horizons: visit to a pharmaceutical company
In June, adolescents from Grupo Nós + Educação visited a pharmaceutical company in São Paulo. The meeting point was in the East Zone of São Paulo, from where they set off together. After a warm welcome from HR and Communications and an overview of the company, they took a guided tour through logistics, raw-materials storage, staff areas, and the inbound and outbound medication areas, then had lunch in the cafeteria. At the company museum, they learned about the organization’s history as a 100% Brazilian pharmaceutical. They spoke with a staff member who started as a Young Apprentice, studied Engineering, and is now a coordinator, as well as with a newly hired Young Apprentice. The visit expanded their understanding of careers and sparked reflections on dreams and professional futures.

Art, culture, and education: field trip to MASP
We visited the MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art), exploring the exhibitions “Artes da África,” “Frans Krajcberg: reencontrar a árvore,” and “Hulda Guzmán: Frutas Milagrosas,” among others. For many, it was a first-ever visit to the museum and to its restaurant, where they experienced cuisine influenced by Minas Gerais and Bahia. At the end, each participant shared one word to capture their impressions—curiosity and satisfaction predominated.

Cross-shelter meeting: training and connection
On August 20, 2025, we held a meeting at the Museu das Favelas with partner shelters, including visits to exhibitions on Sérgio Vaz, Racionais MC’s, and Sobre-Vivências. Discussions touched on peripheral literature, poetry slams and community readings, belonging, bonds, and territory. Inspired by the principle of Sankofa (“to return and retrieve”), the day invited participants to reclaim roots, value memories, and widen perspectives on daily practice. Technicians from shelters located in São Paulo’s East and South Zones shared reflections such as:

“Thank you, IFH, for offering such a rich moment of learning, belonging, and fond memories. It was incredible.” — Technician from a shelter, East Zone of São Paulo
“Today’s meeting at the Museu das Favelas was truly special… We left stronger and inspired to continue our work with even more sensitivity, care, and commitment.” — Technician from a shelter, South Zone of São Paulo

Thank you for making these advances possible. Your support on GlobalGiving helps adolescents progress in school, broaden their horizons, and take confident steps toward autonomy. We’re happy to keep you updated on the next milestones.