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Get to Know Us - Our Achievements
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Life in the favelas has a profound effect on children. At the age of 7 children are learning how to sit down in a classroom, how to hold a pen and how to listen to instruction. When children first join the project basic issues such as malnutrition, physical dexterity and social interaction have to be faced so that they can start to learn.
In many cases children are so anxious about situations in their family that they simply cannot concentrate. Building trust, acceptance and helping children integrate into a safe learning environment is our first great achievement.
After this we find that our students begin to dream about their future and develop a strong passion for learning.
Academic Achievements
In the favela over 50% of students drop out of school before they are 11 years old. At the University of Life 80% of our students study until they are at least 14.
80% of our students learn to read and write within two years of joining the project.
Since 2003, 29 students have graduated high school and in 2008 2 students graduated college courses. The experiences and training opportunities that students receive at the University of Life has set them apart, and they have secured jobs in the city working for lawyers, HR companies, engineering firms, service industries and schools. Many more students work and lead groups voluntarily as part of our mission team and in their local churches.
In 2010 we have college students studying history, administration, physical education and primary school teaching.
Find out more about how you can help these deserving young people through college.
Sporting achievements
Students at the University of Life have won over 25 trophies in regional and national competitions. The majority of our achievements have been in athletics. Competing against other public and private schools is a great challenge for our young people but their determination, courage and ability consistently exceeds expectations.
A recent graduate achieved 4th fastest in national competition at 400m.
Music achievements
University of Life students have the opportunity to learn music through drumming, guitar, keyboard and vocal training. Every year our children’s choir performs in concerts which attract proud parents and many members of the local community.
Theater achievements
Theater is a great tool for developing social interaction and creativity with students. As well as being a regular part of the curriculum students perform several pieces of striking theater which speak boldly about the issues of street children, prostitution, justice, faith and freedom.
Dance Achievements
Everyday there is a child dancing somewhere at the University of Life
Univida dance is quickly becoming a recognized name in Fortaleza. This group of current and former students from the University of Life have performed in front of audiences as big as 10,000 people. Their dance styles include contemporary, hip hop and classical.
The group traveled to the USA in 2006 and were recently selected to represent the north-east of Brazil in a national competition in Sao Paulo.
The group performs in schools, streets, colleges, theaters and churches across the Fortaleza and the surrounding region.
University of Life students perform in United States
On the 3 July 2006, after almost a year of planning, 19 students from the University of Life appeared through the doors at JFK airport in New York City.
Months of preparation, a rejected visa application, last minute cancelled flights and various other hurdles had finally been overcome and suddenly an idea which had grown into a dream was finally a reality. Words were simply not sufficient to convey the emotions and excitement of the team as we greeted our hosts and celebrated our arrival.
The month long trip was organized and paid for by a small church community in upstate New York. The team performed in malls, communities, churches and streets in New York State and Virginia.
The team met with Senator Chuck Schumer who was inspired by stories and achievements of each young person. The group visited the homeless in New York City, Niagra Falls, NY, Williamsburg, VA and Washingto,n DC as part of the schedule.