Youth at risk: Education for a future with dignity

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.