By Luana Alves | Fundraising Analyst
Dear Donor,
We’ve reached the halfway point of 2025, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the impact we’ve been able to generate thanks to your support!
At the Dara Institute, every step we take is guided by a clear purpose: to ensure that women and families in vulnerable situations have access to the opportunities and rights they deserve. And so far, we’ve made significant progress in this direction.
Here’s a glimpse of what your generosity has helped make possible:
With the goal of strengthening the cultural identity of Black women, the Daras Black Culture Project offered, over the course of ten months, 32 cultural and educational sessions to 45 Black and mixed-race women from families supported by Dara.
The meetings aimed to encourage reflection on the social, political, historical, and cultural dynamics that shape the Black community in Brazil, while also fostering a reframing of personal narratives, relationships, and future perspectives.
Participants deepened their knowledge of traditional cultural expressions such as jongo, coco, maracatu, and samba de roda.These experiences not only helped preserve and celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture but also created a welcoming space for exchange, learning, and collective identity building.
The group also visited two significant cultural sites — the Casa de Rui Barbosa Museum and the Sacopã Quilombo — to explore the history and key figures behind the formation of Black Brazilian culture.
Our New Unit in Vila Geny, Itaguaí (RJ)
We’re also thrilled to share that our new center in Vila Geny, Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro), has already welcomed over 200 families. Of these, 72.5% are led by women — reinforcing our commitment to promoting female empowerment and autonomy.
Crochet as a Path to Autonomy at the Dara Institute
We promote social inclusion through initiatives that restore dignity and autonomy for families. One such initiative is our crochet course, designed for women in vulnerable contexts.
More than just teaching a technique, crochet has become a powerful tool for healing, income generation, and self-esteem. In a safe and welcoming environment, participants develop manual skills, create support networks, and rediscover their self-worth.
Each stitch is a step toward transformation — aligned with the Dara Institute’s mission to build a more just and humane world for all. Attached is a photo from this special journey!
Crochet Course Participants
Behind Every Number, a Real Story of Change:
"I’ve been battling depression for a while and barely had the will to leave the house. The course helped me open up, talk to other women who are also facing challenges — and I made real friends there. On top of that, I learned a new skill that could become a source of income."
— Sônia, participant in the crochet course
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of the year, we’re even more motivated and committed to expanding these actions. Soon, we’ll be hosting an exhibition showcasing the handmade pieces produced by the women who took part in our workshops — and we can’t wait to share it all with you.
Thank you, once again, for walking this journey with us.
Your support changes lives every single day.
With gratitude,
The Dara Team
Links:
By Maria Luiza Costa | Team Dara
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