A partnership for inclusion and solidarity: IBSA and Casa dos Curumins

For almost 20 years, Casa dos Curumins – founded by Adriana and Alberto Eisenhardt – has been a haven of peace and inclusion in the Pedreira favelas, one of the most difficult neighbourhoods in São Paulo, Brazil.

Casa dos Curumins welcomes the dreams and hopes of marginalised children and adolescents, offering them a tangible alternative to the hunger, violence and social decay surrounding them. Supported by IBSA since 2006, the association is committed to promoting educational, artistic and vocational paths which, through solid professional training, help young people transition into the world of work.

A NEW PRE-SCHOOL ENSURING EDUCATIONAL CONTINUITY

Among the many initiatives introduced over the years, in May Casa dos Curumins inaugurated a new after-school space dedicated to 4- and 5-year-old children, a critical service not currently provided by the Brazilian public school system; the facility welcomed its first group of 50 young students. The structure, created with the aim of offering a path of continuity between nursery and primary school, represents a great achievement for both the community and the families, who can now benefit from integrated and continuous educational support.

The project faced several bureaucratic challenges, particularly in gaining official recognition as an educational facility. These hurdles slowed its progress but did not restrain the enthusiasm of the founders, as explained by Alberto Eisenhardt: “There has been no shortage of challenges, and working with the authorities can be complex. But common sense and a shared focus on people ultimately prevail. The undeniable benefits of an institution like Casa dos Curumins – which serves the local community and the future of the young people of São Paulo – brings great hope. We are pleased to see that this contribution is recognised, despite the numerous challenges still to be overcome”.

MUSIC, ART AND EDUCATION AGAINST EXCLUSION

IBSA has chosen to support Casa dos Curumins as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mission, firmly believing that the progress of a community stems from access to education, training and culture. Among the central activities of the Casa is its music school, which involves over 150 students, including children and teenagers – and even a group of seniors for choral singing, thus creating intergenerational bonds.

A symbolic project of this commitment is the Banda dos Curumins, which offers young people an important educational experience, as well as an opportunity to perform. In July this year, as already happened in 2022, some members of the Banda dos Curumins performed in Switzerland, at the Lugano’s Long Lake Festival. The event, supported by IBSA, allowed young musicians to represent their community abroad, raising international awareness about inclusion and social redemption.

In addition to music, Casa dos Curumins invests on visual art through the Atelier Pipilù, a workshop where young people are offered the opportunity to explore their craftsmanship, generate an income and raise awareness among the international public about their community. The atelier’s creations, including bags and paintings, are regularly showcased and sold, as seen in Lugano during the last exhibition, in July 2024.

CHRISTMAS IN TICINO WITH CASA DOS CURUMINS: SOLIDARITY AND SHARING

In anticipation of Christmas – and to support the projects of Casa dos Curumins in São Paulo – it is possible to purchase panettoni, pandori and wines online, the proceeds of which will contribute to offering education and support to over 600 children and adolescents and their families. Every purchase is a gesture of solidarity that makes the difference.

Find out more at: www.shop.valsangiacomo.ch

Furthermore, Ticino residents can support the association by purchasing wines – along with a selection of panettoni, pandori and artisanal bags made by the young people of the Atelier Pipilù – also at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola in Lugano (CH).

For more information and orders, please contact Adriana Eisenhardt at: casadoscurumins@gmail.com

Together, IBSA and Casa dos Curumins will continue to collaborate in order to create a more equitable world, providing children, youth and families with concrete tools to build new opportunities and a more inclusive and supportive future.