Associação Florescer

Florescer

Socioeconomic development through music

The Bom Jesus settlement is a farming village with a population of 600 inhabitants located 30km from the small city of Tartarugalzinho. The town lacks basic services including secondary schools, health services, and infrastructure for internet and telephones. Iria de Sá, the leader of the organization, taught the children and adults of the town how to read, and even fought for years to bring electricity to the settlement – electricity having only been available as of recently.

Music being one of the few cultural activities in the region, this project provides music lessons to 90% of the children and youth in the locality. 6 youths have graduated and are today teachers in other cities. Despite this, the small orchestra of 22 has a long waiting list, and depends on volunteer musicians from Macapá to teach the classes.

With support from BrazilFoundation, Associação Florescer will:

• Provide instruments for students;
• Train 120 students between the ages of 8 and 23 from low-income families and vulnerable situations;
• Contribute to the personal development of students and their ability to work collaboratively;
• Offer the community cultural and leisure activities through public performances.

“When human beings are valued, they are capable of exceeding themselves and achieving great things.” – Iria Sá, project leader