Due to the shortcomings of the public education system in Brazil, many children in the favelas lack essential knowledge. Therefore, Estrela offers education in math, language, geography, history, physics, biology, English, music and sports.... These classes are taught by five dedicated teachers, supported by a varying number of (international) interns and volunteers
On the sports field in front of the door, soccer coach VinÃcius - qualified and from the neighborhood - gives soccer training to the children. In addition to technique and tactics, he pays close attention to important life skills, such as discipline, rules and sportsmanship. A group of children also travels weekly to Copacabana beach for beach tennis lessons. Besides the sporting activity, the trip to the beach is a celebration in itself.
Our teachers pay close attention to social skills and general knowledge, such as hygiene, health and sexuality, because many children learn little about these at home. We also organize regular meetings for children and their parents or mothers, in which our teachers discuss various life questions.
Due to the deep poverty that the families live in, there is no money to buy healthy food.... As a result, it has also not been a custom in the favelas for generations. to eat fruits, fresh vegetables or salad. The menu is usually limited to rice and beans, fatty sausage and especially a lot of sugar.
Estrela da Favela gives students as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, trying to limit the need for unhealthy foods.
Extra attention is paid to the development of girls, because in Brazil's macho society they will often become the future mothers and educators. We believe they can play a key role in positive change for the next generation. Therefore, they are given tools to become independent and self-sufficient women. At set times - or whenever the situation calls for it - the female teachers organize "girls' clubs," where they discuss a variety of topics, from sexuality to the role of women in society.
To the boys, our teachers convey that a career in the drug gang is undesirable. They regularly discuss that the boys can do things differently than some family members, some of whom have chosen this "career path." In addition, the teachers teach the boys to respect gender roles and gender equality.
Every week the children receive music lessons. They have even played together with Nilze Carvalho, a famous interpreter of samba. In addition, we regularly organize cultural outings to museums, cinemas and concert halls. They also participated in a special musical project, composing film music in collaboration with the Rotterdam foundation Watch that Sound.
