Charity for “Gato Preto” Children’s Center Rio

The "Espaço Cultural Conexão Gato Preto" was born 10 years ago under the leadership of the teacher and samba singer Simone Lyns, who mobilized friends around the world (incl. myself!) to officially open the NGO, a space dedicated to art and education for residents of Gato Preto, an area of extreme social vulnerability in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The center offers educational activities for children, such as:

THE PROBLEM

The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in Brazil forced the NGO to shut down its activities and close its doors.

THE GOOD NEWS

Thanks to a new effort to mobilize people around the world, the center is undergoing revitalization, and a new acting/theater project has kicked off.

THE ASK

I want to raise EUR 1,000 (approx. BRL 5,000) to contribute (1) to cover the costs of some important structural repairs still pending in the center and (2) to support the organization of a reopening campaign within the community.

THE SIDE NOTE

I, Thyago Ohana, have been supporting this project for several years, and this February, I will visit the center to meet the community and volunteer through this reopening phase.

As I celebrate my birthday on 21/02, this campaign is my way of sharing with my friends, colleagues and network the joy of helping children in need through culture and education as the BEST GIFT anyone can give/receive! - THANK YOU!