"Pink Bags" scholarships for young girls

Around the world, an estimated 129 million girls are unable to pursue their dreams due to poverty and difficult circumstances. Many are forced into early marriages and pregnancies, stripping them of their right to choose their own future.

Santa Rita, a city in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, is a place deeply affected by social inequalities and high levels of violence. The patriarchal culture, combined with widespread crime, creates a challenging environment for young girls, who often find themselves in toxic relationships or facing early pregnancies. In response to this reality, the Casa dos Sonhos Association, with the support of Mission Bambini, launched the Pink Bags project—a concrete initiative designed to offer these young women a real alternative.

The Pink Bags project provides education, vocational training, and psychosocial support, helping girls build a better future for themselves. Currently, 18 girls from Santa Rita are benefiting from the program. Through training courses and personal hygiene kits, they develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and confidence, which in turn leads to a reduction in school and vocational dropouts.

A key aspect of the project is fostering the psychological well-being of these young women. In a context marked by violence and insecurity, friendship and mutual support become essential for personal growth and self-esteem.

Isabeli and Sabrina, two participants in the program, share their thoughts on the importance of friendship:

• Isabeli: “I met Sabrina at Casa dos Sonhos when we were just children, and she quickly became my best friend. Over the years, our friendship only grew stronger. Even during the pandemic, we stayed close and supported each other. Later, we were both selected for the Pink Scholarship program, which gave us the opportunity to study, take vocational courses, and start preparing for the workforce.”

• Sabrina: “To me, friendship means having someone you can always count on. It’s about sharing experiences, supporting each other, and taking care of one another. My friendship with Isabeli is incredibly special—it’s one of the truest and most sincere connections I’ve ever had. We study together at Casa dos Sonhos, but we also love spending time together, going for walks, and having fun. My biggest wish for her is that she gets to fulfill all of her dreams.”

These testimonies illustrate how the Pink Bags project is not just about providing practical tools for the girls' futures. It also creates a safe and supportive space where they can build meaningful relationships and gain the confidence to shape their own destinies.

The project’s ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact—not only for the girls but also for their families and communities. By raising awareness, reducing school dropout rates, and promoting self-determination, the Pink Bags project is working to bring about real, long-term change. Over time, it aims to help shape a new generation of educated, independent, and resilient women, capable of breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.

To conclude, we invite you to watch a short interview with Isabeli, where she shares her experience attending her first learning conference in João Pessoa, Paraíba. Click here to watch the video.