Grãos
de Luz e Griô – education and social responsibility
ABC was initially founded to support the Grãos
de Luz project, which Jimena Page had helped to establish.
The project began as a soup kitchen in Lençóis,
but soon focused on education, extra-curricular activities
and an outreach scheme.
The project has been incredibly successful, being awarded
a prize by UNICEF Brasil in 2003 for the Best Education
and Participation project in the country. In 2005, the
project was highlighted by the Brazilian Ministry of
Culture. ABC continues its support, including
funding for staff salaries.
| Region: |
Bahia |
| Type of Work: |
Education and training; arts workshops;
citizenship; outreach |
| No of children: |
200 |
| Other beneficiaries: |
Over 1000 children and families
in the Chapada Diamantina |
| Age range: |
3-21 years, boys and girls |
| Founded: |
1993 as a soup kitchen; 1995 established as
educational project |
“It was important for my life to learn to
breathe and to free the song of my heart.”
Tiago, 9 years old
“I learned that we are grains of sand. Without
other grains, we cannot construct anything.”
Eniele, 19 years old
|
focus on children’s
educational opportunities
Workshops strengthen the cultural identity of children
and young people, developed and expressed through the
arts, including music, dance and converting 'scrap'
material into artwork.
These activities help children to:
- Develop social skills
- Learn how to work in a team and relate to others
- Produce goods of excellent quality, which are sold
in the market and continue to be in high demand
Children develop self-esteem and are shown, and believe,
that there is a positive outlook for their futures.
the Griô Project
A 'griô' is an old story-teller in
Afro-Brazilian culture. Grãos de Luz founded
the Griô project to ensure children and young
people are taught about oral history and Afro-Brazilian
traditions.
Young people are trained to work in schools and develop
projects which value local culture, ensuring that the
history and role of African peoples in Brazil's
development is not forgotten.
Through establishing their own projects and workshops,
they are given the chance to play an active and positive
role in their communities.
news stories
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