Turma do Jiló Charity Gala: Impact on Inclusive Education

The 2020 pandemic posed a major challenge, almost leading the organization to closure. However, Turma do Jiló reinvented itself, realizing the lack of inclusive education in the corporate sector. This strategic shift was vital, allowing for the creation of products and services for companies, such as the partnership with ACNUR to include Venezuelan refugee women with disabilities in the job market.

Advocacy and Recognition

The organization also expanded its operations into advocacy, successfully blocking a decree in the Supremo Tribunal Federal (Federal Supreme Court) that represented a setback for Brazilian education. It was recognized by the VOA ONG program with a management and trust seal, and Carola Videira was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Folha de São Paulo in 2022, consolidating Turma do Jiló as a benchmark in the third sector.

Grupo TJ: Expanding Horizons of Inclusion

At the event, Turma do Jiló launched its new brand: Grupo TJ. This new structure encompasses Turma do Jiló (maintaining its focus on schools) and Todos Juntos, a collaborative and corporate front. The objective is to expand impact, transforming the organization into a self-sustaining social business. All profits generated by Todos Juntos projects with companies are reinvested into Turma do Jiló's inclusive education programs, ensuring the scalability of its actions.

Recently, Grupo TJ forged a partnership with the Organização Ibero-americana de Estados (OEI) (Ibero-American States Organization) to collaborate on education in the state of São Paulo, reaching 4.5 million students, 250,000 teachers, and 68,000 staff by the end of the year. This milestone demonstrates the organization's growth and capacity for large-scale operation.

Stories That Inspire and Transform

The dinner was marked by moving testimonials:

• Lulu Gaiotto, a youth volunteer monitor, shared her journey since age 11, when the program helped her transform what she saw as a weakness (her young age) into a strength. For her, Turma do Jiló is a family and a path to living with purpose, teaching that difference is an advantage.

• Dennys, a participant in the Empoderando Refugiadas (Empowering Refugees) project (a partnership with ACNUR, UN Women, and the Global Compact), moved everyone by recounting his struggle and the achievement of a job at Shopping JK, emphasizing the pride he feels in his work and gratitude for the opportunity.

• Silvia Grecco, Municipal Secretary for Persons with Disabilities of São Paulo, highlighted the importance of the partnership between public administration and the third sector. She praised the seriousness and reach of Turma do Jiló, which acts as an “arm” in areas the government cannot reach, strengthening public policies for the nearly 1 million people with disabilities in the city.

Celebration and Solidarity

The evening featured moments of art and entertainment. The artistic intervention by performer Santa moved the audience, and the Inimigos da HP band's show livened up everyone, closing the event on a high note. Galera do Click, a project of photographers with Down syndrome, was responsible for the photographic records, demonstrating professionalism and joy.

A raffle of exclusive experiences, with vouchers purchased by guests, raised funds directly for the Inclusive Education Program, reinforcing the union of fun and solidarity.

The 3rd Charity Gala of Turma do Jiló was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of the power of inclusive education and the belief that, together, we can build a future where no one is left behind. The team's dedication, Carola Videira's vision, and community support transform lives and shape a more equitable and purposeful society.