The “Educa Já” Project, an ongoing initiative by SSVP Brazil in São Paulo/SP, reaffirms the importance of education in human development and social inclusion.

Created in May 2022 with the objective of making young people and adults who have not had the opportunity to attend a formal school, the project has been transforming lives, especially of people over 50 years of age. “Our goal is to give these people back their dignity and autonomy by offering them the possibility of learning to read and write, as well as other areas of knowledge,” explains Maria Cristina Rodrigues Paixão, President of the Central Council of Southeast São Paulo.

The “Educa Já” project

Most of the students are over 50 years old and come to the project with a burning desire to learn to read and write. According to Maria Cristina, the project’s methodology includes an initial assessment to find out the level of knowledge of each student and, from there, classes are formed according to their literacy level. “They arrive with a lot of frustrations and traumas, but we are a family that welcomes them with affection. We want them to feel important and capable,” she says.

The classes are held in a building donated by a benefactor, Mrs. Marly, owner of a public school, who was already familiar with the work of SSVP Brazil and proposed a partnership for the project. With five classrooms available, the project is supported by Vincentians and external volunteers, a total of five teachers and six assistants, who are responsible for preparing the snacks served between classes.

In addition to literacy, “Educa Já” offers general culture classes, such as geography and Brazilian history. “They have many questions about the world around them. Many did not know the regions of the country, and it is gratifying to see their thirst to learn,” says Maria Cristina.

Transformative impact

The project has already enrolled 20 students, and the stories of overcoming and achievement thrill the entire team. One of the most memorable moments was the certificate award ceremony, held at the end of 2023, attended by Father Edson Pacondes, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima. “It was an emotional evening, with testimonies that touched our hearts,” recalls the president.

Among the most touching stories was that of a student who, for the first time, was able to read the menu at a snack bar and choose her snack without the help of her grandchildren. “She sent us an audio message thanking us, and our team couldn’t hold back the tears of happiness. It’s moments like this that show us how important our work is,” she says.

Challenges and improvement

However, the process is not easy. Many students come to the project with a lifetime of frustrations and low self-esteem. “They say they are not capable of learning, that they are too old for it, but with each lesson we show them that they can achieve their dreams,” says Maria Cristina. To help in this process, Eliana, ECAFO’s coordinator in the Central Southeast, offers individual counseling, trying to alleviate the pain and trauma of these people.

Future plans

“Educa Já” plans to expand its activities and offer professional training courses, as well as cultural trips to museums and theaters, something many of the students have never had the opportunity to experience. “We want to expand the project so that they can live new experiences and broaden their horizons,” says the president.

Inviting the community

The project is always open to new volunteers and donors. “Volunteering is a unique experience. You influence other people’s lives and, at the same time, you are transformed. As St. Dulce de los Pobres used to say, ‘love can overcome selfishness,’” concludes Maria Cristina.

Source: http://www.ssvpbrasil.org.br/