You want me to learn something?
Oppressive life in the favelas has a profound effect on children. At the age of 7 children are still learning how to sit down in a classroom, how to hold a pen and how to listen to instruction. When children first join the project basic issues such as malnutrition, physical dexterity and social interaction have to be understood before a child can start to learn.
In many cases children are so anxious about situations in their family that they simply cannot concentrate. Building trust, acceptance and helping children integrate into a safe learning environment is our first great achievement.
After this we find that our students begin to dream about their future and develop a strong passion for learning.
Read the story of Mayara
Academic Achievements
In the favela over 50% of students drop out of school before they are 11 years old. At the University of Life 80% of our students study until they are at least 14.
80% of our students have learnt to read and write within two years of joining the project
In 2003 we celebrated the graduation of our first students to complete high school. Since 2003, 19 students have graduated, the first ever in their community
Six of our students have passed college entrance exams and are now enrolled in various college courses.
The remaining graduates are studying and working to pass this difficult exam which requires them to compete with privately educated students for precious places a local colleges. Click here to find out how you can support our graduates through college.
Read the story of Luzilene
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Sporting achievements
Students at the University of Life have won over 25 trophies in regional and national competitions. The majority of our achievements have been in athletics. Competing against other public and private schools is a great challenge for our young people but their determination, courage and ability consistently exceeds expectations.
A recent graduate is one of the fastest 400m runners in the nation.
Read Aldaberto’s story
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Music achievements
University of Life students have the opportunity to learn music through drumming, guitar, keyboard and vocal training. Every year our children’s choir performs in concerts which attract proud parents and man members of the local community.
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Theater achievements
Theater is a great tool for developing social interaction and creativity with students. As well as being a regular part of the curriculum students perform several pieces of striking theater which speak boldly about the issues of street children, prostitution, justice, faith and freedom.
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Dance Achievements
Everyday there is a child dancing somewhere at the University of Life
Univida dance is quickly becoming a recognized name in Fortaleza. This group of current and former students from the University of Life have performed in front of audiences as big as 10,000 people. Their dance styles include contemporary, hip hop and classical. The group traveled to the USA in 2006 and were recently selected to represent the north-east of Brazil in a national competition in Sao Paulo.
The group performs in schools, streets, colleges, theaters and churches across the Fortaleza and the surrounding region.
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University of Life students perform in United States
On the 3rd July 2006, after almost a year of planning, 19 students from the University of Life appeared through the doors at JFK airport in New York City.
Months of preparation, a rejected visa application, last minute cancelled flights and various other hurdles had finally been overcome and suddenly an idea which had grown into a dream was finally a reality. Words were simply not sufficient to convey the emotions and excitement of the team as we greeted our hosts and celebrated our arrival.
The month long trip was organized and paid for by a small church community in upstate New York. The team performed in malls, communities, churches and streets in New York State and Virginia.
The team met with Senator Chuck Schumer who was inspired by stories and achievements of each young person. The group visited the homeless in New York City, Niagra Falls, Williamsburg VA and Washington DC as part of the schedule.
Since returning to Brail the team has inspired younger children in the community to reach for their dreams.
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