Patronato ISMEP – tackling social exclusion through education

Patronato's aim is to reduce the social exclusion of children and adolescents.

Their work helps those in vulnerable situations and extreme poverty in the poorest neighbourhoods in Pina, Recife. Patronato works by delivering a complementary education system and strengthening the ability of local families to build stable livelihoods.

ABC has supported Patronato since 2003 by funding the salaries of the educational staff. In 2005, Patronato won the ITAU (UNICEF Brasil) regional award.

Creating community spaces and providing support and professional training to families combine to improve the social and financial well-being of the children in Pina. This advanced approach aims to assist all aspects of the children's lives, ensuring the community is fully enabled to support the younger generation.

basic education and community participation

As one of the largest projects providing complementary education, they work with the local schools to monitor the children's progress.

• Patronato also has partnerships with the Universities and local government.
• Traditional Brazilian dance classes, led by professionals (also former students at Patronato) integrate education with fitness, art and culture.
• Patronato brings school, family and community together in planning activities to engage the children and adolescents fully.

strengthening families to support children

• The 'Mother Tide' project looks at how seasonal fishing activities can lead to instability in employment and income. Through this awareness, offering applied professional courses, families can re-train and with assistance from the project, new opportunities for paid work are found included driving work and using IT skills.
• Cookery classes are given in the evenings where many of the graduates are now working in hotels and catering.
• Protection and legal advice is also offered to parents regarding issues of domestic violence.