Project has as mission to develop citizenship and protagonism of children and adolescents

Created in 2007 by Flávio Alves do Nascimento, Centro Social Terra Cidadã (CSTC) aims to promote assistance to families in situations of social and economic vulnerability in the community of Pedreira, Costa Barros, in Rio de Janeiro. Through activities linked to sport, education and culture, the CSTC seeks to improve the quality of life of participants, encouraging social inclusion.

Flávio, who grew up in the community, experienced all the difficulties present in the harsh reality of Rio’s favelas. As an adult, he became involved in social activities, such as workshops, public policies, and neighborhood associations, among other institutions. Due to this experience, he decided to create, with the collaboration of other young people, Centro Social Terra Cidadã (CSTC), with the intention of working in this area. Over time, the work has expanded.

Terra Cidadã contributes to the social inclusion of children, adolescents and their families through sports, education and culture. The project enables autonomy of participation in society, working in the communities of Complexo da Pedreira, in Costa Barros, and Acari, neighborhoods in the northern zone of Rio de Janeiro.

How does it work?

Darci de Jesus Silva Soares, professor of Theology, 46 years old, carioca (someone born in Rio de Janeiro) and coordinator of the project, talks about the actions developed by the institution, so important for the residents of the communities served.

“One of our actions is to take the Citizenship agenda to the general public, with the purpose of strengthening family and community coexistence, encouraging the return or permanence of young people and adolescents in schools through the development of activities that stimulate interaction and social coexistence among them. This causes significant and relevant changes for those involved, interfering in a positive way in the context in which they live”, says Darci de Jesus.

The activities offered are: school reinforcement, adult alphabetization, assistance with psychological support, legal advice, sexual orientation, orientation on Human Rights, handicraft and braiding workshops, martial arts and zumba classes and soccer school.

The target audience is children, teenagers, young people, adults, people with disabilities and the elderly. In general, Terra Cidadã is aimed at the whole family, without discrimination of ethnicity, race, creed or gender.

Citizenship actions

Regarding the results, Darci says that the action has impacted the families served in a positive way, by promoting the rescue and inclusion of young people and adolescents on the margins of society. The initiative also encourages parents to participate and develop citizenship, being the main focus for the autonomous protagonism of children and adolescents.

He also talks about the victories achieved, such as the removal of adolescents and young people from the streets through their involvement with the proposed educational activities, thus forming citizens aware of their rights and duties.

The big challenge? To be a reference in working with children, adolescents and young people through actions that value protagonism and social transformation.

How to help

Do you like the project? You can make a contribution so that more and more people can be served.

Make a contribution through the Pix (instant electronic payment system in Brazil) Key: 08158390730 (CPF Darci de Jesus), or also to Banco do Brasil:

AG: 0751-0

C/c: 88.802-8

Follow Centro Terra Cidadã on social media: Instagram and Facebook.