Jojó de Olivença created the Ondas Project after witnessing children collecting cans on the beach. Today, the NGO serves around 80 students per year, offering surfing lessons, academic tutoring, and environmental education
Born in the countryside of Bahia, Jocélio de Jesus — better known as Jojó de Olivença — fell in love with surfing during his teenage years and quickly drew attention for his talent. Overcoming prejudice and a lack of resources, he became Brazil’s national surfing champion in 1988, the first Northeasterner to win the title, and won again in 1992.
With his career already established, in 1998 Jojó opened a surf school in Guarujá, on the coast of São Paulo. Although there was a high demand for the classes, one scene shocked him and changed his path: vulnerable children collecting cans on the beach.
“Some kids would come to our tent, rummage through the trash and ask how much a surf lesson cost. At that moment, something clicked in me, and I remembered my own past, when I was a child and used to borrow boards to learn the sport.”
“That’s when I realized it was a great opportunity to give back everything that surfing had given me.” So, Jojó decided to offer free lessons to those children. In 2007, he took it a step further and founded the Ondas (Waves) Project, which integrates sports, education, and social assistance.
In the “Onda do Conhecimento” (Wave of Knowledge) program, students participate in various activities aimed at improving academic performance. Audiovisual and technological tools are used to develop literacy, math and digital skills, always connecting learning to nature and sports.
The classes follow the school calendar. “When children arrive at Ondas, we conduct an assessment to identify academic weaknesses. Some arrive not knowing how to read or write. They then receive personalized support from our educators.”
The NGO also focuses on building connections with families and schools to monitor academic progress and provide support when challenges arise. Jojó emphasizes that, in addition to improved academic performance, students also show behavioral and health improvements. “They learn to respect others’ boundaries and to help one another. They adopt healthier routines, like going to bed earlier and eating better.”
“Our methodology and values come from surfing: respect, friendship, perseverance, patience and resilience. We use these virtues as metaphors for life. For example, getting past the breaking waves requires patience and waiting for the right moment. Life is no different. We often have to make choices that require patience. Surfing reflects life in many ways,” says Jojó.
Students are referred to the project through the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS), the Child Protective Services, and local public schools. Children stay in the program for up to three years.
The project serves about 80 to 100 children per year, aged between 7 and 12. Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. “If the sea is too rough, we adjust the schedule with skateboarding, swimming, and tutoring activities.”
Today, the project serves nine communities in Guarujá. “We started with two, and now people from distant areas seek us out,” he says proudly.
Environmental education and strengthening family bonds
In a sport that depends on nature, respecting it is essential. That’s why the Ondas Project aims to shape agents of change with awareness and respect for the environment through ecology classes.
“At home, they’re concerned about sorting waste for recycling. They also take part in hands-on activities like making toys from repurposed materials. It’s gratifying to see this awareness growing in the children.”
Families are included through the “Waves of Togetherness” program, which aims to strengthen the bond between students, their families and the organization. Bimonthly workshops are held to cover various topics and help empower families and develop their skills.
Jojó says the main goal of the Ondas Project is not to train surfing champions, but rather “champions in life, better citizens for the world. That is our greatest challenge,” he concludes.
Want to support the cause?
The Ondas Project welcomes both regular and occasional volunteers and accepts donations from individuals and companies. Reach out via the NGO’s website, Facebook, or Instagram to learn how to help.
