Doing Good - Omega Viva Rio - Social Action #7

As a former school teacher myself, this one rings true! Well done Omega & Viva Rio! Here's the scoop, straight from the source -

Improving Municipal Schools

Courtesy of Omega

Schooling lays the foundation for brighter futures, which is why this project aims to renovate and equip two Municipal Schools within Rio.

Courtesy of Omega

The public primary education in Brazil is managed by the Municipal Government. In the last few years, Rio has advanced considerably in improving access to basic schooling. However, there are still some challenges to be overcome, such as in the schools’ infrastructure.  Aiming to foster this process, Viva Rio will support the refurbishing of school units in order to address their infrastructural needs. The chosen institutions support a large number of students and are located in vulnerable areas of the city.

How OMEGA will help

Benefitting around 1000 students every year, the aim with this project is to improve study conditions for students in two primary schools within the city of Rio de Janeiro. It will provide them with equipment and furniture that will be useful to both their education and their teachers.

The total renovation includes the painting, refurbishing and equipment for a computer lab and a recreational space. The schools will be provided with computers chairs and playground toys.

Doing Good - Omega Viva Rio - SOCIAL ACTION #6

Support to Young immigrants

This one is near and dear to my heart.  Having lived and worked in Japan, Portugal, Scotland and Finland I can honestly say that it is not easy fitting in and being accepted.  And that is when you come with legal working papers, have a job, apartment and insurance.  Try to imagine what it can be like when you are coming to a country out of necessity to try and have a better life?  

The sixth social action of Viva Rio that Omega is supporting is an effort to support young immigrants.

Courtesy of Omega

Here's the scoop -

Being new to a country is not always easy, which is why this project will support the integration and training center for the youth immigrant community of Rio.

Courtesy of Omega

As a response to the increase in the flow of immigrants in Brazil, Viva Rio develops a number of initiatives for the support of this community. The goal is to provide a welcoming environment for vulnerable immigrants and facilitate their integration, through education, legal assistance and job market placement.

In 2016, Viva Rio is expanding this work. A center for integration and training of young immigrants will open and serve as headquarter of the Black Pearls’ Soccer Academy in Brazil - a project that already benefits 110 boys and girls in vulnerable situation in Haiti, and promotes social inclusion and citizenship through sports. The center will allow these young athletes to showcase their talent and find placement in the best national teams in Brazil.

Courtesy of Omega

“Every person in this city is important. No matter how long you've lived here.„

In order to activate this action, the Black Pearls’ Sub-20 team will participate in the São Paulo Junior Cup, which will take place in January, 2016, in the city of São Paulo. With an average age of 18 years old, the team will be the only foreigner to take part in the competition.

How OMEGA will help

This action will support the purchase of uniforms and sports material for the Black Pearls’ athletes and the new integration and training center, as a way to prepare them for the first challenge in 2016: São Paulo Junior Cup.