Shortly after moving to Uberlândia, Brazil I became involved in helping to set up a computer lab at a local NGO. That is now transitioning into a new project, one in which I’ll be project lead to launch a new digital journalism program. The plan is to teach young people how to report on what’s happening in their community, both in print and online. This will entail not only journalism skills, but also website development training and general web production. Vital job skills for the new era in which we live.

The following is information gathered from the NGO’s website and Facebook page, translated and adapted for use here. I hope it helps explain what’s so important about this social project for so many kids and for the neighborhood and city they call home.

The Centro de Formação Comunitário São Francisco de Assis – Projeto Estação Vida is an NGO in the city of Uberlândia that serves children and teenagers in the Shopping Park neighborhood. Approximately 150 young people are served in schedules opposite their school schedules (in most of Brazil, elementary and high school is on a half-day basis). In other words, on school days those children with morning schedules spend their afternoons at the NGO, and those with afternoon schedules participate at the social project in the mornings. A nutritious lunch is served for all the children around noon.

Activities include tutoring, cultural activities (dance, singing, percussion and guitar lessons, environmental education and human values), sports (capoeira, football/soccer, karate), library/reading, citizenship experiences and gardening.

The institution also contributes to the neighborhood at large, encouraging systematic involvement of families, offering the space for adult extension learning and providing the physical structure for holding events such as charity bazaars, festive gatherings and others.

The philosophy of Estação Vida is guided by four pillars:

Ethical and Spiritual Values — “Harmony is Built in Community”
On a daily themes are communicated that can guide the development of the children and who participate, counting on the support of interns and volunteers to reinforce the Christian pedagogy of care, respect, valuing human life,and, in short, systematically seek an experience of citizenship and harmony among all.

Pedagogical Support
Through tutoring, Project Life Station strives to assist children and teenagers in their school difficulties, reinforcing reading, writing, research, and math.

Social Awareness
Through workshops for street dance, capoeira, music, sports and agriculture (through working with the garden), children and teens are encouraged to seek quality of life as well as balance with the body and environment. The intention is to add more artistic and cultural workshops that cater to developing capabilities within cultural diversity.

Preparing for the Job Market
As Estação Vida serves teenagers up to age 16, we believe it is necessary to provide activities to prepare students for the job market. For this reason, computing, computer maintenance and repair, silkscreen printing and other useful crafts are available for teens

This Projetos Sociais Estação Vida is not tied to any political party. It is an ecumenical and interreligious space. The diversity of religious expressions in our contemporary world are sought. Human values ​​and social awareness are emphasized. This is a project which shares fraternity, solidarity, participation and dialogue. On these terms all are welcome to participate.

If you can help out in some way or simply want to stay updated, contact information is below.

Address: Rua Horácio Ribeiro de Almeida, 230 38411–442 Uberlândia
Phone: +55 (34) 3224–8731 +55 (34) 9162–3576
Website: http://projetoestacaovida.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/estacao.vida.9