Vocational Training for Young People in Brazil

Celebrating Achievements and Honoring Stories

In January, we shared with our network the stories of different young talents supported by Dream Learn Work: Karoline Amaral, Anna Luiza Simplicio and Victoria Barros. The “DLW Talent” series was created to demonstrate that, with opportunity and support, dreams can move forward. 

Karoline Amaral is a young woman who participated in DLW years ago and is now thriving in her chosen field. With the courage to seize a single opportunity, she has built a successful career and currently works at Enel, a multinational energy company engaged in the generation, distribution, and commercialization of electricity and gas.

Stories like Karoline’s reinforce our purpose: education transforms lives, opens pathways, and creates real opportunities.

Anna Luiza, on the other hand, is a young woman who is turning her dreams into reality.

“I learned about DLW in 2025 through the Bola Pra Frente Institute. With DLW, I participated in a mentoring program that reshaped the way I see my future, my education, and my career. With the guidance of my mentor, Carina Sardinha, I developed valuable skills.

In a short time, I was approved in a job interview and began my journey as a Young Apprentice at DOF. I am deeply grateful to be part of a network that transforms dreams into achievable paths.”

Finally, Vitória Barros was the third youngster that we posted about in January:

“I began studying Engineering at UFF in 2024 but soon realized the path did not fully reflect my interests, particularly my desire for creativity and social impact. I then transitioned to Architecture and Urbanism, where I found a field aligned with who I am.

During my studies, financial challenges, especially transportation and material costs, nearly forced me to leave university. At that point, DLW’s support in covering these expenses was essential for me to continue my education and pursue my dream.”

We believe in education as a powerful tool for social transformation, and this is just one of many stories that show why investing in people truly matters.

Regional Meeting of the LGBTI+ Business and Rights Forum

On January 26, DLW took part in the Regional Meeting of the LGBTI+ Business and Rights Forum at L’Oréal in Rio de Janeiro.

The event brought together 97 participants and over 60 companies for meaningful dialogue on diversity, inclusion, and employability for the LGBTI+ community.

We remain committed to opening pathways for young people and advancing a more just and inclusive future for all.

Success Stories | Andreza Cardoso and Matheus Basilio

In February, we highlighted the stories of two young people: Andreza Cardoso and Matheus Basilio.

Andreza Cardoso: Her journey reflects opportunity, commitment, and the realization of a dream built over time.

In 2024, Andreza completed her Technical Degree in Electrotechnics, and in 2025, she continued her path through the Mentorship Program, strengthening her personal and professional development.

Through her achievements, a significant opportunity emerged:

“In September 2025, I had the opportunity to be hired by IKM Testing. This was my first formal professional experience, specifically in an offshore role.”

Andreza’s story reminds us that when someone believes in you, achieving your dreams becomes possible. With education, guidance, and opportunity, talent flourishes and futures take shape.

Matheus Basilio: The future doesn’t begin all at once. It is built gradually, step by step. And in 2026, Matheus took another meaningful step forward: he was promoted from Young Apprentice to Intern in one of DLW’s partner companies - Kincaid Mendes Vianna Advogados. We at DLW sent his CV for the job opportunity in 2024 and Matheus gave his best to apply the knowledge acquired in courses financed by Dream Learn Work and in college!

“I am deeply focused on the future and long-term growth. My dreams and the desire to one day provide the best for my family are what truly drive me.”

Matheus’s journey is not defined by a final destination, but by continuous progress. Continuing to learn, to plan, and to believe that today’s efforts shape tomorrow.

Finalist in the Ambev VOA Award 2025

In the beginning of February, our hearts became full: Dream Learn Work was announced as ais a finalist in the Ambev VOA Award 2025, one of Brazil’s leading programs supporting impact-driven organizations. Among nearly 800 applicants, DLW was selected as one of 80 organizations to participate and has now advanced to the top 10 finalists, representing the Southeast region.

This recognition reflecteds not only our team’s dedication, but also the journey of every young person we support. We remain committed to expanding opportunities and empowering youth through education and development.

Virada da Diversidade

In late February, the DLW team took part in the “Virada da Diversidade” event, hosted by Mais Diversidade.

The meeting provided a valuable space for exchange and learning on the future of Diversity and Inclusion, with participation from organizations such as Saúde Petrobras and other partners committed to more inclusive environments.

Our team, alongside volunteer Jhon Duque, reinforced DLW’s commitment to expanding opportunities and promoting inclusion.

March Success Story | Calebe Pereira

In March, the youngster highlighted by DLW was Calebe Pereira. From his earliest days at Dream Learn Work, Calebe seized every learning opportunity and is now building his career in the technology field.

“Today, I look back on my journey at DLW with pride and gratitude, and I remain committed to continuous learning, growth, and building my professional path.”

Dream Learn Work sent Calebe’s CV to one of our partner companies, Yinson, which hired him in 2023 as a Young Apprentice. Later, in 2025, Calebe became an IT Assistant at the company and is still there developing his talent and putting to use all the knowledge gathered in the courses financed by DLW.

Meeting of the Decola Cria Collaborative

The future is built collectively. On March 3, we held the first 2026 meeting of the Decola Cria Collaborative, where we reviewed 2025 results, set this year’s priorities, and co-created next steps for social impact, including Rio de Oportunidades. Collective effort remains our greatest strength.

NGO Certifications

We are proud to share that Dream Learn Work has earned two key recognitions: the Doar A+ Seal and Verified NGO Certification.

These certifications reinforce our commitment to transparency, effective management, and social responsibility, strengthening the trust of our partners and supporters as we continue expanding opportunities for young people.

Winner of the Ambev VOA National Award

In March, we were selected among 890 NGOs as the winner of the Ambev VOA National Award, receiving a grant of BRL 30,000. This was a huge recognition of our impact and potential for growth and we were thrilled to receive it from one of Brazil’s largest companies, Ambev.

After an intensive 2025 acceleration journey, this achievement reflecteds the collective effort of our team, partners, volunteers, and the young people we support. The full amount will be reinvested in advancing access to education for underserved youth.

Culture, Work, and Citizenship: Advancing LGBTI+ Inclusion

On March 26, Dream Learn Work participated in an event at Teatro Carlos Gomes, marking the launch of the Companies and LGBTI+ Manual, organized by the LGBTI+ Business and Rights Forum, Aliança Nacional LGBTI+, and Grupo Arco-Íris.

The program included cultural presentations, the release of the publication and the “LGBTI+ Encyclopedia” campaigns, as well as discussions on diversity practices and employability. DLW also shared its work, reinforcing its role within this network.

We remain committed to fostering inclusive pathways that connect diverse talent to meaningful opportunities.

Participation in Expo Favela Innovation

Expo Favela Innovation is more than an event, it is a platform for connection, visibility, and transformation.

It amplifies ideas from the favelas, showcasing the strength, creativity, and innovation of peripheral entrepreneurship. Participating means recognizing and supporting the talent shaping the future from within these communities.

We remain committed to strengthening these journeys and expanding opportunities for dreams to become achievements.

NBCC’s General Assembly

On April 17, Dream Learn Work supported the NBCC (Norwegian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce) at its General Assembly, where two DLW beneficiaries, Alessa Oliveira and Giulia Baptista, contributed to event coordination and guest reception.

The event included the election of the new president and board, remarks from Brazilian and Norwegian diplomatic representatives, and an economic outlook session by BTG Pactual. It also provided valuable networking and bilingual communication opportunities for participating youth.

During the Assembly, DLW Director Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso was recognized for her contributions to NBCC and Brazil–Norway relations, reinforcing the importance of investing in initiatives that expand opportunities for young talent.

DLW Talent: Eneke Silva 

Every achievement begins with dedication, opportunity, and the drive to grow. In the end of April, we highlighted Eneke Silva’s journey:

“DLW played a key role in my journey by supporting certifications such as Scaffolding Assembly and T-HUET, strengthening my skills and expanding my career opportunities. I remain focused on my goals and grateful to everyone who believes in my potential.”

Eneke is also part of DLW’s Mentorship Program, further advancing his professional and personal growth through learning, connections, and new opportunities.