Youth at risk: Education for a future with dignity

Dear donor,

We’re excited to share some of the most recent developments from our project, Youth at Risk: Education for a Future with Dignity, a key initiative that continues to create real impact in the lives of adolescents transitioning from institutional care. Thanks to your generous support, we are strengthening not only academic skills but also personal growth and autonomy.

This year, alongside educational reinforcement, the adolescents are participating in new activities that explore professional development, identity, citizenship, and life planning — helping them build the foundations for a brighter future.

Recent Highlights from Grupo Nós + Educação

Within the broader Grupo Nós + Educação program, the Youth at Risk: Education for a Future with Dignity project continues to support 15 adolescents through academic reinforcement activities, focusing on strengthening their skills in Portuguese, mathematics, and other essential areas. These sessions are conducted in partnership with Instituto Ser+ — an NGO dedicated to youth development — and delivered as part of the “Rebuilding Learning” program hosted by Universidade São Judas Tadeu in São Paulo.

We are proud to share the achievement of one of our participants, Júlia (age 14), who passed a competitive entrance exam and was awarded a full scholarship to attend a high school that integrates technical training in marketing.

“I was so happy when I saw my exam score and realized I came in second place. It made all the study time worth it. I’m really grateful to the technical team and to my mentors who encouraged me to take the test and keep studying.”

Cultural Exploration: Visit to the Museum of Favelas
On March 22, after a day of academic activities, the adolescents visited the Museum of Favelas in downtown São Paulo. They participated in the exhibition Racionais MC’s: The Fifth Element, guided by a museum educator who facilitated reflection and dialogue.

This outing promoted cultural access, critical thinking, and citizenship, while also encouraging the use of public transportation and exploration of urban spaces.

Let’s Talk About Gender and Sexuality
In March 2025, we held a powerful workshop on gender and sexuality, led by Beatriz Nascimento, educator and founder of the project “At Home, Everything’s Fine”, which promotes youth sexual education in a supportive and open format.

The goal was to offer tools that help adolescents think critically about the issues they face during adolescence related to identity, sexuality, and self-awareness. Through interactive activities, participants explored topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, self-care, and gender-based violence.

The session resonated deeply with the group. Many felt safe to share personal experiences and reflect on how these topics connect with content learned at school. The activity contributed not only to knowledge-building, but also to creating a space of trust and dialogue.

Your Support, Their Growth

These recent experiences have enriched our adolescents' academic journeys while also expanding their social awareness, critical thinking, and sense of identity. Every workshop, visit, and achievement is a step toward a future filled with greater opportunities and autonomy.

Your continued support makes all of this possible. By believing in our work, you are walking alongside these young people as they rebuild confidence, rediscover their potential, and begin to shape new paths for their lives.

Thank you for standing with us — and with them.

Warm regards,
Instituto Fazendo História Team