Education
Youth Volunteering Turma do Jiló: Transforming Sapé in SP
Turma do Jiló's Initiative Highlights the Power of Youth Volunteering in Sapé Community.
Turma do Jiló brought its Youth Volunteering program to the Sapé community in Guaianazes. Young volunteers distributed hygiene kits, addressed menstrual poverty, and organized activities for children. It was a transformative experience that underscores the importance of inclusion and social impact.
Through its Youth Volunteering (YV) program, Turma do Jiló organized a transformative outreach to the Sapé community in Guaianazes, East Zone of São Paulo. Led by educator Mara Pereira, and with the enthusiastic participation of volunteers Estela, Kiara, and Júlia, the initiative aimed to promote inclusive education and diversity, connecting realities and building bridges.
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Exploring Realities and Childhoods in São Paulo
The visit to the Sapé community had as one of its main focuses the discussion about the diverse childhoods existing in a metropolis like São Paulo. The central question raised was: "Does a child living in one part of São Paulo have the same childhood as a child living here in the East Zone, in Guaianazes?" This reflection guided the young volunteers to delve into the community's particularities, seeking to understand the needs and challenges of its residents.
The program was divided into stages. Initially, the objective was to interact with the children, but also to converse with the women of the community to understand their needs and the importance of early childhood in their lives, a topic addressed by the pink and purple groups of the YV.
Solidarity in Action: Hygiene Kits and Combating Menstrual Poverty
One of the highlights of the initiative was the distribution of personal hygiene kits. The volunteers, with great dedication, organized a fundraising campaign that resulted in an impressive volume of donations. As Estela explained, the team discussed menstrual poverty and included sanitary pads in the kits, offering support and dignity to the women of the community.
Kiara and Júlia, volunteers from the purple group, shared their satisfaction in distributing these kits. They noted how well-received the initiative was, with women seeking the necessary items for their families. This initiative goes beyond simple donation; it aims to address a basic and often neglected need, directly impacting people's health and well-being.
Connection and Exchange: Playing and Learning Together
After distributing the kits, the focus shifted to playful interaction with the children. Turma do Jiló brought materials such as ropes, drawing paper, markers, and chalk to color the ground, transforming the space into a large playground. This was an opportunity to play, chat, and have fun, creating an atmosphere of lightness and joy.
The volunteers expressed how the experience was different and really cool. For many, it was their first time in a community, demystifying prejudices and reinforcing the idea that these spaces are full of welcoming and resilient people. The exchange of experiences was rich, as Estela summarized: "It's not something you do every day, but when you do it, I think at least I had a lot of fun." Shared feelings included kindness, learning, gratitude, admiration, inspiration, and diversity.
A Legacy of Gratitude and New Perspectives
The visit left a lasting positive impact, both for the volunteers and the community residents. A Sapé resident expressed her deep gratitude for the initiative, thanking Mara, Graça, Sheila, and the young volunteers. She expressed a desire for these encounters to be repeated, showing the value of continuity and community engagement in making children happy.
This outreach by Turma do Jiló is a clear example of how youth volunteering can be a powerful tool for transformation. By uniting solidarity, education, and diversity, the organization builds a more welcoming and just society, where, in fact, "nobody is left behind".
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