educare cares.

The residents of “Cracolândia” – a notorious slum of São Paulo, Brazil – endure conditions that are unimaginable for us. Children in particular are easily pulled into the maelstrom of drugs, violence, and prostitution. educare is already making a lasting difference with its educational opportunities.

The ambitious plan: to establish a preschool in the heart of one of the world’s largest open-air drug markets. The vision is a preschool (three buildings pictured left) that is not only a place of learning but also a sanctuary and afterschool partner. The school finally gained official recognition in October 2021, opening the door for educare to receive financial support from the city for its efforts.

We have the utmost respect for the commitment that the people at educare have shown. We want to donate not only our money but also our expertise to help the school take root and thrive.

Trainee program: our plan for the future

The first group of kids have passed through the program and completed their schooling. They are making room for the next generation, even as they themselves often face an uncertain future. The aim of educare’s two-phase trainee program is to offer these young people an alternative and a perspective.

The sad truth is that all the children in Crackland are constantly threatened by unbridled violence, sexual abuse, and even death. Using drugs or making quick money through theft, fraud, and dealing often seem to offer a way out.

Despite everything educare is trying to do, young people still routinely slip through the cracks and return to their old life on the streets.

That’s why it’s immensely important to give these youth purpose and responsibility. A bit of pocket change – the first money they earn honestly with their own abilities – is also a key factor.

educare’s new two-phase trainee program lets the adolescents manage their own areas of responsibility to help run day-to-day business at the campus while they also get support in planning their future careers. This lets them give something meaningful back to the community while providing positive role models for the younger kids.

We are proud to support the wonderful work educare is doing by assuming the full costs of the first two years of the trainee program.