By Natasha Baker | MSMC Volunteer
Dear supporters,
May, June and July have been busy months for Empowering Indigenous Youth in Fortaleza, Brazil!
The Community Mental Health Movement (MSMC) has engaged students in many activities, with a focus on academics and fostering pride in indigenous culture. These activities included tutoring, engaging in traditional Lakota rituals (such as the sacred sauna), events on human rights and environmental education, and even a trip to Rio for World Youth Day!
Each month during this period, an average of 100 indigenous youth were served and the result of the various activities offered was growing maturity in the majority of participants. There was a noticeable increase in self-esteem, identification with indigenous culture, a greater ecological awareness, greater motivation to go on to college, greater participation in community activities and greater respect for leaders among themselves, their tribal chief, and their elders.
To put a concrete face to these amazing gains, 6 students, through the support of MSMC (and your donations!) took the college entrance exams for the State University of Ceará (UECE).
These students (pictured above) are:
Congratulations to our students! With your support, we can look forward to sending even more students to college, breaking the cycle of poverty that afflicts the indigenous community of Fortaleza. Now that is social transformation!
Links:
By Natasha Baker | MSMC Volunteer
By Natasha Baker | Development Volunteer
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