Storys

(told by Kutxinha – educator and football coach) Suely is now 14 years old and has been part of the Education Center for many years. She loves playing football and has progressed through all age groups, starting in U7 and playing with the boys until U13. She then moved on to the older girls and began training with adult women at the age of 14, as there were not enough players for the U17 team. During a preparatory match for the regional championship, I substituted her in for the first time as a central defender. She was clearly very nervous and initially did not want to enter the field. She is a very quiet and shy girl. Edza (16 years old), who was already playing as a central defender, noticed Suely’s nervousness and said to her:“Suely, you don’t have to be afraid. Play like you always do, and if you make a mistake, I’ll be there to fix it.” The two became a solid defensive pair and played the entire regional championship together. This allowed the team to qualify for the national championship, where Suely played every match from start to finish at just 14 years of age, receiving much praise from players of other teams.  

(told by Kutxinha – educator and football coach) Ruan (8 years old) comes from the neighbouring village of Chão Bom. Before joining the Education Center, he lived in Assomada and played football for a local club. When he registered at the center, he had to choose which educator would be responsible for him. He chose me, even though he didn’t know me. When I asked why, he replied: “I saw you at a match as a coach. You always encouraged your players and praised them. I want you to encourage me like that too.”  

(told by Kutxinha – educator and football coach) Adriel started school this year. In his first week, he already had a lot of homework and had to fill an entire page with different lines. Eventually, he became tired, put his pencil aside, and said: “The pencil has become too soft. I have to wait until it gets hard again.”  

(told by Kutxinha – educator and football coach) In one of the rooms at the Education Center, a human skeleton is painted on the wall—not to frighten the children, but to help them learn the names and locations of the bones. Mateus (8 years old) studied the skeleton carefully and then explained to me:“One day, we’ll all be like this.” “Why do you think so?” “Well, we all have to survive. And the worms need something to eat.”  

(told by Samir – educator) Every morning, Taissa, Neimara, Nimara, and Gissara (all 9 years old) come to the Education Center together. They are best friends and spend all their time at the center together. Taissa is the smallest and most affectionate; she loves hugs and always looks after the others.Neimara is the most outspoken, full of energy and always ready for adventure.Nimara is very possessive and needs everything to go her way, especially during play.Gissara is the gentlest and wins everyone over with her loving and cheerful nature. Throughout the day, small arguments arise—little disputes, sometimes tears. Yet when the center closes, they hug each other and walk home arm in arm, with no sign of conflict. The next day, it all starts again.  

(told by Jassica – kindergarten educator) Gisele and Luana were sitting next to each other in kindergarten, talking while they were drawing. Both had lost their mothers. Gisele explained to Luana:“I have three mothers. One of them is already in heaven.” Luana thought for a moment and replied:“My mother is also in heaven. But at night I always see her. She is the brightest star in the sky.”