Viva a Vida will construct an Afro-library (for children aged 6-11) in the Cordoaria Quilombo to make up for the acute educational disparities caused by neglect and racism, and exacerbated by 2 whole years of schooling lost to the pandemic. Black and indigenous literature will provide access to positive examples of black people and black history, to demonstrate how being a quilombola doesn't prevent these children from making their dreams a reality. ''You know what? I can do that too!"
In the Cordoaria Quilombo, there are 300 quilombola families with elementary school-aged children, who suffer institutionalized racism, apparent in severe educational disparities in literacy development, which has a huge impact on their future lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously exacerbated these disparities; the children are now significantly behind. Internalized racism also means they often don't acknowledge their blackness or believe in the beauty of their afro hair and black skin.
Viva a Vida will construct an Afro-library containing black, indigenous and quilombola literature; 100 books for collective family reading, remedial education classes for 60 children and story-telling sessions for 30 more. We will employ a methodology and professionals to respond to this group's particular needs. The library will be housed in a well-ventilated container in the quilombo's main square, equipped with age-appropriate resources and learning tools: a real community space!
300 families (90 children) will have access to literature and education, enabling them to reclaim and embrace their identity. Improving their reading levels and text comprehension will allow them to achieve age- and grade-appropriate literacy. We also expect to see an increase in their self-esteem, as the books will enable access to positive examples of black people and black history, showing how being a quilombola doesn't prevent them from making their dreams a reality. ''I can do that too!"
