At Estrela da Favela, we’re active every single day on the ground in Mangueira. This means that our team not only provides education across a wide range of subjects, but also keeps track of students’ well-being at school and at home, and organizes sports, cultural outings, and creative workshops. At the heart of our work is the commitment to being a safe, stable space — a place where children feel seen and supported, and where caregivers know they can turn for help, guidance, or simply a listening ear.
Running an NGO on a daily basis, you could almost forget the other side: making sure that Estrela can exist, that funding is raised, and that all required materials are available. This is only possible thanks to a strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners who step in behind the scenes. Over the years, many people have found their own way to contribute and we’ve built a strong community of supporters who make our work possible.
One of those long-time partners is 021 Originals, a fashion brand based in the USA. For several years now, founders Jeff Doorman and his team have been supporting our students — starting with hundreds of donated shirts. If you look closely at many of our photos, you’ll spot them: kids wearing 021 Originals clothing during class, at events, or while playing football outside.
But their involvement didn’t stop there. 021 Originals has also donated food packages to families and, most recently, gifted us a professional sound system – now used for music lessons and presentations.
Founder Jeff Doorman shared the following about the collaboration:
“Working with Estrela da Favela over the past four years has been a truly incredible and unforgettable experience. As a business, 021 Originals has been able to donate hundreds of shirts to the children over the years, and coming back to Mangueira and seeing the kids wearing the shirts in their daily lives warms my heart every time.”
“Getting to know all of these special kids has given me a new and inspiring perspective in everything I do. They’ve shown me that no matter where you are in life, there is always hope — and the power of a positive mindset to keep moving forward, even in the face of difficulty.”
“The relationships and friendships I’ve built with the children and the whole Estrela team are ones I will cherish forever.” ❤️
We’re very grateful for the ongoing partnership with 021 Originals – not only for the material support, but for their consistent involvement and hands-on attitude. It’s this kind of long-term commitment that helps us continue building a better future with and for our students.