Building a future for 200 youths in Sao Paulo

This month of October was very special at Arca because for weeks, everyone was busy preparing the celebration of the 20th anniversary of our NGO! Indeed, when we look back at the rearview mirror, we can be very proud of how far we have come. The young children who were welcomed in the early 2000s in the wooden shack that served as a kindergarden have become adults who in turn walk their young siblings or children to the modern building of Arca. Joelma, who was a very young 18-year-old educator from the favela has grown into an accomplished and recognised manager of the Arca do Saber center. Sirley has become an experienced seamstress who keeps her good humor to adapt to the successive generations of French volunteers. Arca do fazer workshop is moving with the time and is now producing ecobags and reusable food wraps. For 5 years now, Arca do Crescer vocational training center has been supporting teenagers and young adults of the community in the construction of their professional project. With the micro-enterprise incubator set up this year, new dreams are being hatched. 

Over the years, a strong relationship of confidence has emerged between the community of Vila Prudente and Arca allowing the NGO to develop an in-depth work. 

Arca's 20th aniversary was the occasion, for our team, after 2 sad years of the Pandemic to welcome families of Arca's children, students of Arca do Crescer, volunteers and partners and all together to celebrate what has been achieved. 

Demonstration of dance, music, "roda de capoiera", exhibition and drawing competition, cake and delicious dishes prepared by the cooks of Arca, everything came together to make it an unforgettable day!

All these success stories are possible thanks to the hard work of the teams of employees and volunteers, but above all, thanks to the generosity of partners and donors. And it's with your help that we will continue to write Arca's story!

Because we are deeply convinced that an holistic approach of the well-being of the children is necessary to ensure success in education, during the last three months, our NGO has organised various health prevention sessions. The children and the young adults of Arca have benefitted from the coming of dentists and of ophtalmologists, diagnoses have been made and glasses have been provided.Teenage girls of Arca do Saber were able to ask all their questions about puberty and body transformations to a health professional. Another workshop was organised for all the teenagers about suicide prevention. Arca's educators and psychologist are also working in small groups on non-violent communication, respect and anti-bullying. 

To continue and expand our programs, help us spread Arca's campaign for Donor Day! 

https://goto.gg/57602

We have great ambitions and many projects for the years to come and together, we will continue ensuring a better future for the children of Vila Prudente.

Links:

• Presentation of the project "sports for everyone"