Building a future for 300 youths in Sao Paulo

 In 2026, our association will celebrate 25 years of operation of its children's center, Arca do Saber and 9 years since the opening of its vocational training center, Arca do Crescer. 

As the entire Arca team gears up for the new school year in Brazil, we would like to share with you what drives our mission. Here are the figures:  130 children aged 6 to 15 were taken in, and 455 people over the age of 15 received vocational training at AdC in 2025. But beyond the numbers, there are the touching words of Mirella, who in December, at the end-of-year party, paid a heartfelt tribute to Arca do Saber for the years she had spent there.

“I would like to honor Arca do Saber, a place that was my home for nine years. Today, I am closing a chapter that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Arca do Saber became part of who I am — for nine years, I was welcomed, guided, held, and so often saved. 

It’s hard to find words for all the moments I’ve lived here, all the people I’ve encountered, and everything that has shaped the person I have become.

Here, I met people who became my family — people who could see in me what I couldn’t see myself, people who reached out when I didn’t have the strength to ask for help, people who believed in me.

I want to express my gratitude for every smile, every lesson, every moment of learning, and every gesture of affection I received here.

For nine years, Arca was not just a place, a schedule, or a routine. It was a part of me — a place that taught me strength and patience, that taught me respect, friendship, and self-respect, a place where I could be myself even on my hardest days. I want to hold on to all these memories, like a film I can replay whenever I need to. Thank you for welcoming me for so long, for helping me grow, for being part of my story, my journey, and my life. Thank you for being my home for nine years".

As you can imagine, the entire Arca do Saber team was in tears after this magnificent expression of gratitude.Thank you, Mirella, we know that your journey with our association is not over as you will continue studying vocational training at ADC

And Thank You to all of you who, through your donations, are enabling the children of Arca to build their future. 

Links:

• Mirella's testimony during Arca do Saber Xmas celebration

Every October, Brazil celebrates Dia das Crianças (Children’s Day) — a national holiday dedicated to honoring childhood and the rights of every girl and boy to grow up with joy, education, and care.

This celebration has a long history: it was officially created a century ago, on October 12, 1924, through a project approved by the Brazilian Senate and Chamber of Deputies under the name Festa da Criança (“Children’s Festival”).

Unlike today’s more commercial celebrations, the original purpose of this day was to encourage society and public institutions to focus on children’s education, health, and well-being — values that remain at the heart of Arca do Saber’s mission.

Unfortunately, in the favelas, many children are left alone at home or wander the streets after school hours, without leisure or sports activities, without educational support and deprived of basic rights.

At Arca do Saber, these children find:

• Quality education that broadens their horizons

• Cultural and sports activities that stimulate creativity and teamwork

• Balanced, nutritious meals served daily

• A safe and welcoming space to learn, play, and grow

• Affection and emotional support for them and their families

And everything is 100% free — a true support system for the families we serve.

Your donations make this possible. By supporting Arca, you are protecting childhood and believing in the future of our children.

From all of us at Arca do Saber — thank you for standing with us in care, education, and hope.