In Brazil, the well-being and education of children and teens are protected by a wide network of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Dedicated to improving access and quality of education, as well as ensuring the rights and social well-being of children, these groups play an important role in helping children and teens across the country reach their academic potential.
One of the aspects of educational culture in Brazil involves guidelines for academic work, which help high school and university students. “As normas da ABNT (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas) são fundamentais para assegurar a qualidade e a estrutura do trabalho acadêmico. Essas normas são práticas estabelecidas na academia brasileira, servindo como referência para estudantes que estão elaborando uma introdução ABNT exemplo ou organizando um modelo acadêmico, garantindo que seus projetos sigam os padrões exigidos,”
explained professor Carlos Henrique da Silva. “The standards of ABNT (Brazilian Association of technical standards) are fundamental to ensure the quality and structure of academic work. These standards are practices established in the Brazilian Academy, serving as a reference for students who are preparing an introduction ABNT example or organizing an academic model, ensuring that their projects follow the required standards.”
Below we list some of the most important Brazilian organizations that empower children and teens through education.
Education and Social Support for Children in Brazil
From poverty to lack of access to education, Brazilian children face several challenges from an early age. These and other problems are widely recognized by schools and institutions dedicated to protecting childhood social rights, which dedicate resources and efforts to helping children and teens across the country reach their academic potential. Below we list the main ones.
Government Initiatives
1. Ministério da Educação (MEC)
The Ministério da Educação, also known as MEC, was created in 1930 with the purpose of ensuring the right to quality education for all Brazilian citizens. The ministry is responsible for the country’s entire educational system at all levels of education, from early childhood to higher and professional and technological study. The MEC is known for its continuous initiatives dedicated to the development, management, and supervision of the educational system.
2. Secretaria Nacional dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente (SNDCA)
Linked to the Human Rights department in the Brazilian Government, the Secretaria Nacional dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente (SNDCA) is a Brazilian government body dedicated to protecting the rights of children and teens. Its absolute priority is the development and implementation of policies that prevent and combat the violation of the human rights of all young Brazilians. To achieve this, the body is based on prioritizing family and social ties, respecting the cultural, ethnic-racial and gender diversity of the national population.
3. Conselho Nacional dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente (Conanda)
Another member of the basic structure of the Human Rights department, the Conselho Nacional dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente, or simply Conanda, is a collegial body formed by representatives of the Executive branch and representatives of non-governmental entities. Its main function is to manage and supervise state, municipal and district bodies responsible for the protection of children and teens.
As such, the body is also responsible for managing the Fundo Nacional para a Criança e o Adolescente (FNCA), ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated to actions that promote, protect and guarantee the rights of children and teens, as established by the ECA.
4. Bolsa Família Program
Although it is not a program exclusively dedicated to education, Bolsa Família is a government initiative dedicated to promoting financial assistance to low-income families. The program awards grants conditionally, based on regular school attendance and compliance with vaccinations, creating incentives for parents to prioritize education and keep children in school.
Non-governmental Initiatives
1. Fundação Abrinq
The Fundação Abrinq is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights and citizenship of children. Established in 1990, the foundation emerged as a response to the high number of episodes of violations of the rights of children and teens across the country. Not satisfied with the lack of response from public authorities to such issues, local governments, private institutions and civil society joined together in the mission of mobilizing society in favor of the rights of young Brazilians.
The foundation operates in line with the precepts established in the 1988 Federal Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, promoting projects that range from improving access to healthcare to promoting quality education, often working in needy communities.
2. Ayrton Senna Institute
Named after the Formula 1 champion and Brazilian hero, the Ayrton Senna Institute’s main objective is the development of opportunities for young people across the country. In addition to promoting access to quality education, the institute focuses on developing emotional intelligence and resilience, equipping children and teens for better personal growth. With 30 years of history, the organization has invested more than US$80 million in social programs in cooperation with other companies and NGOs.
3. UNICEF Brazil
As a United Nations agency, UNICEF is responsible for providing humanitarian and development assistance to children around the world. In Brazil, the organization focuses on protecting the fundamental rights of children and teens, working especially in marginalized communities. Its initiatives include ensuring quality healthcare, supporting educational programs, and providing protective services for children exposed to violence and poverty. By collaborating closely with local communities, UNICEF promotes the growth and holistic development of children and teens.
4. Cidade Escola Aprendiz
With 27 years of history, the Cidade Escola Aprendiz is a civil society organization focused on promoting Integral Education and the development of Educational Territories. The organization works to improve public education by integrating community resources with school programs. Its initiatives prioritize contextualized learning, promote practical skills and strengthen the relationship between students, schools and their communities.
Academic Support for the College Studen
University students are also the focus of assistance initiatives across the country. Programs such as ProUni, FIES and even Federal Universities spread across the country are essential in guaranteeing quality education for all Brazilians, at university level and beyond.
ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) standards are also an essential part of university education. This standardization ensures consistency and quality in academic productions, preparing students to participate in scientific collaborations (like an essay or a term paper) with international colleagues.
Private education-focused organizations also offer resources for students who need extra support, whether through tutoring, mentoring, or mentoring programs. Non-profit institutions, such as the Ayrton Senna Institute and the Lemann Foundation, for example, work directly with students and teachers to promote critical thinking, analytical skills and a solid foundation in scientific and research methods used in academic areas.
In addition, scholarships and grants often provide financial support, enabling many students to access higher education opportunities they otherwise couldn’t afford.
There are several organizations in Brazil that are dedicated to the well-being of children and teens. Each of them plays a fundamental role in meeting the diverse needs of young Brazilians. From offering protection and social support to promoting educational opportunities, these entities pave the way for a more promising future. Furthermore, adherence to academic standards, such as ABNT standards, highlights Brazil’s commitment to quality education, helping students to excel in higher education and research.