Samuel J.

From a young age, Samuel was dissatisfied with all forms of violence and oppression, especially in the school environment, always defending students who were being mistreated in some way. His parents were always present and supportive of Samuel in these situations, even when he was sent to the principal's office for getting involved in any kind of conflict. Samuel's idea comes from an understanding of the impact that neglecting children in their early years has on the lives of children in his community: they become more violent and sad. Along with his family, he founded the project Crianças da Vila Operária (Children of Vila Operária), which aims to promote mindset changes, combat violence and discrimination, and improve the well-being of low-income children by providing a space for leisure, reflection, and awareness.

Samuel works alongside his mother, father, uncle and cousins in various areas of the initiative, including communication, mobilization and fundraising, education, nutrition and activities for the children. The project has already reached over 120 children from Vila Operária, who are developing a more empathetic outlook on themselves and society. Samuel seeks to show and offer opportunities for alternative ways of living, and he wishes for this change in mindset and reality to continue from childhood into youth.