The projects
Since 2000, the Centro Educativo João Paulo II, located on the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, has been dedicated to supporting children and teenagers facing difficult socio-economic conditions. The center provides academic assistance and integrated education through cultural, recreational, and, most importantly, sports activities. Fondazione Milan supports the center’s sports programs and the training of local coaches, encouraging the practice of various sports disciplines as a tool for personal, professional, and social growth.
Among the key initiatives is the MIRIM program, designed for children aged 6 to 8, a crucial stage for motor and social development. In Portuguese, MIRIM means “small” or “emerging,” emphasizing the importance of this age group. Children engage in playful and pre-sports activities, exploring two sports disciplines per cycle. This approach helps them develop a broad motor repertoire, enabling them to make more informed choices about the sport they wish to pursue in the future.
The center operates in a marginalized area of Salvador characterized by severe infrastructure deficiencies, high infant mortality and malnutrition rates, and a lack of educational and recreational spaces for young children. The activities offered include lessons with specialized teachers in subjects such as language arts, mathematics, physics, computer science, and pedagogy, combined with a rich extracurricular sports program. Sports such as futsal, handball, basketball, karate, and dance are organized according to age group and skill level, providing children with a formative experience that goes beyond mere play.
Through sports, young participants learn fundamental values such as teamwork, fair play, discipline, self-control, and determination. Additionally, they develop cognitive and strategic skills applicable to rules, tactics, and techniques specific to each sport.
The project is dedicated to 50 boys and girls aged 6 to 8, offering them a safe and stimulating environment to grow and discover their potential through sports.
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A small gesture is enough to contribute to the realization of projects in support of the most fragile and marginalized children.
