Running Together
The NGO Ação da Cidadania was founded in 1993 by the renowned sociologist Herbert de Souza, known as Betinho, as a way to help the 32 million people who were, at the time, living below the poverty line, according to data from the Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea). Today, the NGO operates nationwide and, in the state of Rio de Janeiro alone, serves 60,000 people — from children to the elderly — in the areas of health, education, culture, and empowerment.
The Children’s Institute
The Children’s Institute is an initiative that promotes human development. Through private social investment and project management, the organization inspires the practice of solidarity.
With 28 years of history, the Institute serves as a bridge between individuals and companies willing and able to contribute, but who may not know how to ensure their investment reaches those who truly need it. In this way, the institution connects and coordinates these groups, assisting companies and directing financial, human, material, and technical resources to promote social development.
Every year, it invests in education, citizenship, income generation, and community development projects and campaigns.
The Todos na Luta Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes education through sports for children in the Vidigal community.
In the 1990s, as violence increased in the area, coach Raff Giglio decided to open the doors of his boxing gym free of charge to children and teenagers in situations of social vulnerability. Todos na Luta is the only institution in the state of Rio de Janeiro to have trained an Olympic medal-winning boxer.
This created an environment conducive to discovering new and promising talents and preparing them to compete in national tournaments, inspiring other young people to pursue the sport. Another initiative of the institute requires families to ensure school attendance and participation in the institute’s classes for children to remain in the project.
ASM – Social Action for Music of Brazil
A non-governmental, non-profit organization that, through its socio-educational focus, aims at social inclusion and citizenship development through collective classical music education for children, teenagers, and young people living in socially vulnerable communities.
In its cultural scope, ASMB has been promoting the formation of youth classical orchestras throughout Brazil for over 25 years, such as the Brazilian Youth Orchestra and the Mercosur Orchestra, with the goal of fostering classical music culture and providing broad public access and enjoyment.
Currently, 4,045 children, teenagers, and young people benefit from the project.