Youth at risk: Education for a future with dignity

Dear Donor,

We are pleased to share the latest activities of Grupo Nós +Educação, supporting adolescents in strengthening relationships, autonomy, self-care, and their plans for the future.

Affection, Friendship, and Community Connections

The first April meeting took place at the Brito Broca Library in Pirituba, São Paulo, and focused on love and emotional relationships. It began with a financial education activity in which the adolescents purchased and organized breakfast for the group.

Throughout the meeting, they reflected on love, respect, companionship, gender, and relationships through active methodologies, including Theatre of the Oppressed and the analysis of funk songs. The music prompted discussions about violence, self-love, friendship, self-esteem, and the importance of community connections, in dialogue with bell hooks’s ideas about love as a practice and an action. The meeting concluded with the collective creation of a poem about the meaning of love.

“Speak Up, Grupo Nós!” Podcast

The second April meeting used podcasting as a pedagogical and communication tool, creating a space for adolescents to speak, listen, and exchange experiences of shelter care. They actively developed the script and conducted the interview, strengthening their leadership.

The first episode was recorded at SigoSom Studio with Patrícia Rodrigues, a lawyer and former Grupo Nós participant, and Rico Dalasam, a singer, artist, and researcher on shelter care. They shared their experiences and perspectives with the adolescents. The activity encouraged listening, identification, and appreciation of different life journeys while enabling the young people to develop their own collective project.

Psychoactive Substance Use and Self-Care

The first May meeting included facilitator Fernando Araújo Konesuk, a historian with experience in socio-educational measures, who led a discussion on the use and abuse of psychoactive substances.

Through group activities, visual resources, and references from youth culture, including funk and trap music, the adolescents reflected on different substances, their contexts of use, and questions related to legality. They were also introduced to the concept of harm reduction, encouraging dialogue about care, mental health, self-care, choices, and preserving life.

The activity promoted active participation, the exchange of experiences, and the collective development of knowledge in a safe space for listening and reflection on issues present in the adolescents’ daily lives.

Mental Health and Self-Care

The second May meeting was held at Espaço Meyfe and led by Fernanda from Araci. It encouraged reflection on mental health, self-care, and stronger relationships.

Through peer-listening activities, the adolescents practiced empathy, identifying emotions, and socio-emotional regulation strategies. The meeting concluded with a dance class, encouraging physical expression, integration, and collective well-being.

Grupo Nós Expedition

In June, Grupo Nós +Educação participated in the Grupo Nós Expedition at Estância e Parque Ecológico das Águas, in Parelheiros. The day offered contact with nature, adventure, discovery, and challenges through activities such as a treetop adventure course, stand-up paddleboarding, a boat ride, and zip-lining. The double zip line was the highlight, bringing excitement, courage, and enthusiasm to the group.

Beyond recreation, the expedition strengthened relationships, autonomy, social and environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging. One symbolic moment was the collective planting of a tree by Grupo Nós, representing care, belonging, and a commitment to the future. Shared activities and meals also encouraged integration and stronger connections. The experience was marked by joy, overcoming challenges, and shared emotional memories.

Grupo Nós Festa Junina

In July, we held the first Grupo Nós Festa Junina, collectively organized by the adolescents following a suggestion from one of the young participants. With games, traditional food, and June festival music combined with trap and funk, the gathering was marked by joy, social interaction, and youth leadership.

Organizing the celebration also created opportunities to work on financial education, household budgeting, and cooking, with the adolescents participating in planning and preparing the food.

Playing, celebrating, and having fun are rights that must be guaranteed and protected throughout adolescence.

Company Visits: Broadening Career Horizons

In the second half of July, the young people participated in a series of company visits as part of the Professional Development area. They explored three different professional fields: insurance and finance at BB Seguros, communications at Rede Band, and technology at LWSA.

The visits allowed them to experience workplace environments, exchange ideas with professionals and young apprentices, and learn about different career possibilities, contributing to the development of new professional paths and opportunities.

Completing a Cycle: An Achievement to Celebrate

On May 29, the adolescents from Grupo Nós +Educação attended their graduation ceremony at Instituto Ser+, marking the completion of a training cycle held between 2025 and the first half of 2026. During this period, they participated in academic support, computer skills, digital tools, socio-emotional development, and preparation for the world of work.

The ceremony was marked by emotion and recognition, celebrating the adolescents’ commitment and dedication. It also reaffirmed the importance of opportunities that broaden horizons, strengthen life projects, and contribute to building new paths.

We sincerely thank our donors for making these experiences possible. Your support helps adolescents strengthen their relationships and autonomy, broaden their horizons, and build new paths for the future.