Building a future for 300 youths in Sao Paulo

The start of the 2025 school year took place at the beginning of February in Arca, both for the children at the Arca do Saber centre and for the young people and adults at the Arca do Crescer vocational courses. The new activities and training courses introduced in 2024 are proving to be a great success, as evidenced by the number of applications received. 

Thanks to your support, Arca can continue to improve and expand the actions it undertakes and directly impact the future of the residents of the favela Vila Prudente.

Among the achievements of 2024 is the programme of initiation and reflection on the use of digital technology. This project, carried out in Arca, not only gives the 130 children and teenagers access to a computer they don't have at home, but also focuses on preparing them to use technology efficiently and safely, empowering them to be aware and active digital citizens, ready to contribute to building a better world. At the end of the year, the 1st Hackathon took place in Arca do Saber on 16 December.

Circus activities were also developed in 2024, enabling the children to work on a wide range of skills, including physical ability, a sense of comedy, group work, showmanship and self-confidence. The end-of-year show was a source of pride for parents, teachers and children alike.

In 2024, the Arca do Crescer vocational center graduated 272 students, with a high representation of women (78%) and self-identified blacks (64%). In addition, many young people are former students of Arca do Saber, underlining the importance of integrated initiatives that promote educational and professional trajectories. 95% of participants in the vocational training program offered by Arca do Crescer agree that the course was a good investment of their time.

“When I started the administration assistant course, I thought I would only work in an office, especially using computers. I was surprised by subjects I didn't know about and was very impressed by the topics on digital marketing, Google tools, visiting stores, human rights and so on. I would 100% recommend taking a course at Arca, and what's more, it's free. I really enjoyed it! Wherever I go, I'll only talk about Arca do Crescer”.  Deryck Barros, 16 years old - Administrative Assistant Course 

In 2025, with your help, we'll continue to do just as well.

Rebeca Andrade, the first Brazilian female gymnast to win Gold at Paris 2024, began her journey in a social project. Her story shows how such programs can open doors and change lives, just as we believe in the potential of every child at Arca.

Pride and inspiration: Igor Lima and Rayssa Silva at the Pre-Olympic Games in France

We had the privilege of sending two of our young people, Igor Lima and Rayssa Silva, represent Arca at the Pre-Olympic Games at Festival 24 in France. It was a proud and inspiring moment for all Arca members, as well as for the entire local community. They joined over 500 youths from 35 countries, showing how sport breaks social and economic barriers while promoting unity, friendship, and respect.

Rayssa has discovered rugby thanks to Arca do Saber at an early age. Her passion for this sport led her to excel at PAC (Arca's partner rugby club) and to seek professional training at Arca do Crescer. Now 18, she trains as a coach and inspires other young women and teenagers in the Vila Prudente favela.

Igor found an escape from the difficulties of favela life through breakdancing. A student of Arca de Noé and Arca do Crescer, he became a breakdance teacher at Arca do Saber in 2019. In addition to teaching dance, Igor works at the Recifavela recycling cooperative. His talent and devotion have made him a role model, inspiring other young people to pursue their dreams. 

Their trip to France - from the preparation, to the flight to Paris, to meeting their global peers and attending the Olympic Opening Ceremony - has boosted their self-esteem and proved to Arca's beneficiaries in Vila Prudente that dreams can come true despite challenges. 

Exhibition at Arca: The Olympics in Paris

To celebrate Igor and Rayssa’s journey and Brazilian medalists, Arca held the "Olympic Games in Paris" exhibition in August, a celebration of the Franco-Brazilian relationship and the positive impact of culture and sport. Arca's children and young people played a major role in the designing and aassembling of the exhibition including a life-size silhouette of Igor and a rugby simulation. The event was a success, bringing together many families of the community and staff sharing the passion and inspiration of the Games.

This international chain of solidarity that connects the children of Vila Prudente to the rest of the world is built by you, day after day. It is your ongoing donations that allow Arca to offer sports, artistic, and cultural activities to children and teenagers, helping to shape their future. So, we rely on you. Save the date: December 3rd, Giving Tuesday.

Links:

• A TV report about Igor and Rayssa at Festival 24