Indigenous Youth Achieving Dreams in Brazil

One of the core objectives of the Empowering Indigenous Youths project is to help youth fulfill their academic and career dreams. Your contribution to the project has helped students such as Benício make those dream come true.

Benício is a member of the Pitaguary tribe. As part of this project, Benício earned a scholarship to attend Piamarta, a private high school in Fortaleza. Unfortunately, public education (K-12) is very poor in Brazil and often students who attend public schools are not prepared for the rigorous college entrance exams, known as the “vestibular” and “Enem.” As in the US, indigenous peoples in Brazil often live in areas with poor infrastructure and high rates of poverty, where public schools are the only option.

Through this project, we are breaking the cycle of poverty. Benício, through your support, was able to attend a private high school and receive academic enrichment, participated in sacred rituals that keep him grounded in his indigenous culture, and self-esteem and self-empowerment therapy that help him develop resilience and determination. As a result, Benício is now studying mathematics at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), the best university in Fortaleza.

While he studies, Benício remains an active member and role model for the other indigenous youth in the project. He serves as a coordinator for the Apprenticeship Center of Bom Jardim, helping other students prepare for college and careers. He is an example of a success story – of the potential that every youth has, if only given the opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support of indigenous youth in Fortaleza, Brazil!

Links:

• Check out our website to know more about where your money goes