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, sports and IT skills. 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 twice a week. 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 the 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.
Since the corona pandemic, healthy food packages have been distributed to all the families of our students. Poverty has increased tremendously in the favelas since 2020. The hope is that there will come a time when we can phase this out, but it looks like we will have to continue this for the time being, although things are slowly improving.
Extra attention is paid to the development of girls, because in Brazilian macho society they 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 women documents 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 may do things differently than male relatives and fathers, 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 six hours of music lessons. They have even already played together with Nilze Carvalho, a well-known interpreter of the 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.
Foundation Friends of Estrela da Favela
ANBI status no: 825597882
IBAN: NL17ABNA 0522610064
BIC: ABNANL2A