Empower 220 Futures: Youth Education in Brazil

During the last months, our program has made significant strides in supporting the 220 young individuals currently enrolled, offering them opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Over the past few months, our program has made remarkable strides in empowering the 220 young people we serve. Beneficiaries in their first year engaged in workshops at our headquarters to develop critical skills and explore life projects. Those in their second year advanced through vocational courses and began mentorship programs with experienced professionals, while third-year participants concluded their mentorship journey and received employability support to enter the job market.

Highlights include creative and career-focused activities. In July, first-year participants presented a pitch on the development of innovative projects elaborated during our Design Thinking workshops, while second and third-year students pursuing technology courses joined a career-oriented visit at partner company Pluxee. August featured engaging financial education activities, integration dynamics to strengthen life project reflections and an inspiring conversation with a known photographer on opportunities in the creative industry. We focused on fostering inclusion, practical learning, and career preparation from September through November. Diversity and inclusion activities sparked meaningful dialogues about workplace equity, while participants tackled social responsibility challenges during the X Journey initiative. Youth from the second year shared with the ones from the first year their vocational course journeys. As the year progressed, we supported their preparation for vocational training exams, coordinated company visits, and honed teamwork and creativity through theatrical presentations.

One inspiring story comes from a second-year program participant who is also in his first year of a vocational nursing course at the prestigious Albert Einstein Technical School. He chose nursing because of his passion for caring for others. Initially, the technical course presented challenges, but he soon adapted and found excitement in learning about the human body and its various diseases. His path wasn’t always clear—he once considered pursuing psychology. However, with support from his mentor from the Life Planning Workshop, he took time to reflect and ultimately decided that nursing was the right fit. Now, he’s focused on his future in healthcare, aiming to become an ICU technician and, later, a paramedic. Today, he is confident in his choice and proud of the positive impact he can make through his work. This story is just one of many that demonstrate how our program helps young people discover their potential and pursue their professional dreams.

By providing access to education, mentorship, and hands-on training, our program is equipping these young individuals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in diverse fields, such as healthcare, technology, and beyond.

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Over the past six months, our Educational Program has significantly impacted the 220 youths involved. We began the year with rigorous planning and structured activities for each module: 1st-year foundational activities, 2nd-year vocational courses, and 3rd-year employability support. Highlights from March include an inspiring conversation circle on "Women in Technology" and an interactive curriculum-building workshop for 2nd-year students.

In April, 2nd-year students engaged in job interview simulations, gaining valuable feedback for real-world scenarios. 1st-year students benefited from cultural enrichment through visits to prominent centers along Avenida Paulista, including Itaú Cultural, Casa das Rosas, and Japan House. They also attended a career-focused event at a financial sector company and participated in “VTEX Day,” a major technology event in Latin America. These experiences broadened their understanding of various career paths and sparked their creative thinking.

In May, the Career Fair provided 1st-year students with the opportunity to interact with professionals from leading companies and educational institutions, expanding their career perspectives. “I am still not sure what career to follow, so the past few days have improved my learning and expanded my options. Hearing about careers and their daily routines helps open the path to deciding what really fits you,” said a beneficiary of the project. The students also showcased their projects at the Design Thinking Workshop, receiving constructive feedback. In June, 1st-year students gained additional insights through a career event at Citi and a conversation with a talented illustrator and cartoonist, which offered them valuable guidance and inspiration for their future paths.

One of the beneficiaries from the 1st year of the Program reflected on her experience: “What I like most about the Program is the opportunity for teamwork during the workshops, gaining more knowledge about different work areas, and developing my communication skills through the activities. My favorite workshops are Theater, where I can express myself spontaneously, and Life Project, which helps me learn more about my future goals and how I can improve. Moving forward, I plan to develop my knowledge and skills further within the Program and hope to take a vocational course in the health field in the second year.” The progress our participants have made is truly inspiring, and we are excited to continue supporting their growth on this impactful journey.