Building a future for 200 youths in Sao Paulo

In 2021, the International Olympic Committee approved a change in the Olympic motto that recognises the unifying power of sport and the importance of solidarity. At Arca, we might as well use this tagline to characterize the years 2023 and 2024.

"Together" because Arca can continue to dream bigger and develop stronger year after year thanks to your loyal support.

"Together" is important because we could not have accomplished our 2023 goals without the happy energy of the Vila Prudente favela kids and teens, their parents, the community at large, Arca staff, volunteers, and your backing.

To sum up the year 2023, our vocational training center Arca do Crescer celebrated the graduation of 212 young people and adults (76% of them being women), an increase of 19.5% compared to the year 2022.

Two of our students, Matheus and Nicollas, were selected to work as interns for two months in January and February of 2024 aboard a cruise ship traveling the Antarctica coast! Before they set off, the pedagogical staff at Arca do Crescer and a few volunteers put together a unique and intensive training program, but they succeeded! From the favelas (slums) of São Paulo to Antarctica! We told you this year we were dreaming bigger.They are back to tell the children of Arca about icebergs, penguins, and global warming. 

 Among the other former students who brighten the eyes of Arca do Saber's kids is Aldaïr, whose story we shared on our GlobalGiving project page, so you're all familiar with him. Aldaïr became a classical dancer whose talent has been recognized in international dance festivals and in December 2023 he founded his own ballerina school in Sao Paulo. Last week, he held auditions for ten Arca children, ages six to eight,  in order to teach them dancing at his own school.

One of Arca do Saber's main goals for more than 20 years has been to provide favela kids with access to cultural and sports activities that can change their life. And the result is real. In our last report, we mentionned the rugby trip we took to France with the seventeen youngsters from the favela who had been playing rugby for years with the support of Arca. Since their return from France, they won the the State championship for the under-15 and under-18 age groups, and were invited to compete in a South American championship in Rio. Four of them—three boys and one girl—were awarded a one-year grant by the State of Sao Paulo to continue their rugby training and possibly pursue careers as professional players or coaches.

Together, citius, altus, fortus!