Building a future for 200 youths in Sao Paulo

The first semester of 2023 has just ended and it is the right time to take a look at some of the activities offered by Arca do Saber and what they bring to our beneficiaries.

Capoeira, taught by Mestre Coquinho, who was born and raised in the Favela of Vila Prudente, is one of the main activities offered weekly to our 130 children and teenagers. According to Wikipedia, Capoiera is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality. Born of the melting pot of enslaved Africans, Indigenous Brazilians and Portuguese influences at the beginning of the 16th century, capoeira is a constantly evolving art form that was granted in 2014, the status of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The inclusion of Capoeira in Arca do Saber's curiculum is an evidence for many years. At every encounter, the children and teeenagers of Arca have the opportunity to connect with the history, music and traditions of this Brazilian art form, strengthening their identity and appreciation of their cultural heritage. By practicing capoiera, they developed abilities that go beyond the physical, preparing them for the challenges the future holds. These skills include evolving and progressing, honoring traditions and discipline, playing together and respectfully challenging each other.

Our arts workshops are a second pillar of Arca do Saber weekly activities. The magic of colors comes to life every week. Under the specific guidance of French volunteers, these activities have the potential to expand young people's horizons, stimulate concentration, foster teamwork, sharpen motor abilities, awaken creativity. It's a special time when exploring the world of art, letting imagination flow and creating unique works. Weekly, we can see the sparkle in the eyes of the children and teenagers as they discover new ways to express themselves artistically. Together and thanks to your support, we are building a future full of colors and possibilities.

Eventually, we would like to highlight all the efforts made to awaken the taste for reading at Arca do Saber. We're happy to share some good news with you after the unfortunate flooding of the library room in March and all the damage it caused: the library was carefully restaured and organized with new shelves and books specially chosen for each age group. Now, with the new lending system, children and teenagers can take the books home and explore amazing stories! The procedure has already started and the excitement is contagious. The kids can't wait to explore our collection and embark on fresh literary journeys.

By letting you see a little of what goes on at Arca do Saber, we want to thank you for your renewed support for what we do. Your assistance is crucial for the children and teenagers of Arca. Continue to share our actions.

We at Arca's staff want to wish you a lovely summer.

Dear friends, 

It is about time to tell you what happened in Arca since our last report and especially to express how we are feeling in March 2023.

And we want to share with you that we are feeling "FELIZ!"

Happy! because for the first time since 2019, Arca experienced a normal return to activities after the summer break, freed from the fear of the Pandemic and all its restrictions.

Happy! because what has been implemented to help our beneficiaries of the favela Vila Prudente to recover from the effects of the Pandemic has started to grow fruits.

By the end of 2021, with your financial support, we launched music lessons and "a battucada band project" to help Arca's children reconnect with collective artistic activity, listening to each other and training rigorously. And now, in february 2023, Arca do Saber's "bloquinho da Amizade" plays in the alleys of Vila Prudente for its first Carnaval parade!

Happy! because other activities like digital literacy, Portuguese reading and remediation, maths games, French and English classes, arts, circus, capoeira, rugby, street dance, judo are going on. Cultural and sport outings have taken place in December and others are already scheduled.

Happy! because for the 2d year in a row, Arca do Crescer vocational center has set up special programs and scholarships for young women and an incubator to support 10 young entrepreneurs of the favela.

Happy! because our GlobalGiving due diligence was renewed as well as the 5 year agreement between Arca do Saber educational center and the Municipality of Sao Paulo. This lengthy administrative process is always stressful and requires a lot of work from Arca's management team. Congratulations to the whole team!

We started the year with renewed energy and the objective of continuing to promote life projects working with the tripod: education, empowerment and local development.

I hope this report has left you excited and satisfied regarding what we are doing on your behalf.You are our partners in these activities. Your financial support goes a long way in subsidizing our work, none of the institutional donors we do have cover all the costs of the programs we run, the supplementary support comes from you. Your support is essential!

If you feel as happy as we are, please spread the word about Arca's work and sign up for recurring donation.

Abraços,

Links:

• Instagram - Carnaval
• Testimonial of an alumni of Arca do Crescer vocational center