Olá! We are Malik, Valentine, Renne, Ana Mel, Maryna, and Gabriela — six students from EduMais, growing up in the favelas of Pavão-Pavãozinho and Cantagalo in Rio de Janeiro.

This year, something extraordinary is happening: we have been selected to participate in an international cultural exchange program in Poland, together with young people from around the world.

For all of us, this trip is more than a journey. It is a door opening; one we never imagined could open for kids like us.

Why this exchange matters

Through EduMais, we were invited to join the Lelenfant International Cultural Exchange, a program that brings together children and teens from different countries to learn from one another, share their cultures, and build friendships that cross borders.

The program covers all costs for the students - a gift that removes barriers our families could never overcome alone.

But to travel safely, we need one additional guardian to accompany us.

This is the only cost not covered, and for our families, raising this amount is impossible.

That’s why we are here.

Meet the six students whose dreams you can help lift into reality

✨ Malik, 14 (9th grade)

Wants to proudly share the warmth, rhythm, and diversity of Brazilian culture, especially capoeira and samba.

✨ Valentine, 11 (6th grade)

Dreams of discovering new cultures and making lifelong friends from around the world.

✨ Renée, 13 (8th grade)

Believes this trip will teach responsibility and maturity - a dream he never thought would come true.

✨ Ana Mel, 12 (7th grade)

Wants to show the world the famous Brazilian smile and the beauty of Brazil’s diversity.

✨ Maryna, 15 (1st year of high school)

Never imagined she could travel abroad; she thought her family’s financial situation made this impossible.

✨ Gabriela, 14 (8th grade)

Has dreamed of studying abroad since she was little and is thrilled to take her first international step.

❤️ Why we need your help

EduMais works every day to bring quality education and equal opportunities to children in the favelas.

Lelenfant generously covers the full cost of the students’ participation.

Your donation will cover the purchase of music instruments for our presentation as well as the travel and accommodation of one guardian, ensuring our safety and full participation in this life-changing experience.

For us, this is not just a trip.

It is a chance to see the world…and to be seen by it.

Help bring us closer to this dream.

Every contribution, big or small, helps us take one step closer to Poland, to new cultures, to new friendships, and to a future we never thought possible.

Thank you for believing in us.

Thank you for helping us fly.