Bola Pra Frente
Bola Pra Frente is an institution that was founded in the
year 2000 by the World Champion footballers Jorginho and Bebeto,
supporting boys and girls of 6-16 years who live in situations
of risk.
The project is located in Guadalupe, a low-income community in the north of Rio de Janeiro city. It uses sports and the images of well-known athletes to attract children and teenagers who are then given the opportunity to better their futures through education, cultural activities and sports training. They support 700 children a year.
Partnership
The partnership between Children’s Aid and Bola Pra
Frente started in England where two dreamers, Ricardo and
Jorginho met at Exeter City Centenary event.
They talked about their projects and dreams and Ricardo was very impressed when Jorginho talked about the Bola Pra Frente project and the work it does in Rio.
Upon returning to Brazil, Ricardo paid a visit to Bola Pra Frente where he spent graduation day with the youngsters from the project. What impressed him most was the look of hope and the will to win in every child’s eyes. It was apparent from both the people that worked there and the children, that this project was something special, an oasis of hope and opportunity in Guadalupe.
Children’s Aid began working with Bola Pra Frente by giving lectures on citizenship, volunteering, the development of cooperative groups and Fair Trade. Furthermore, students from the Bola Pra Frente project ‘Citizenship Champions’ are going to work with Children’s Aids other projects at Avicres and with the “velhinhos” (elderly) of Dignidade. Once there they will have the opportunity to organise several activities and make even more of a difference, re-emphasising the importance of volunteer work.
International Exchange
Children’s Aid is developing an exchange programme between
students at Trinity School in England, and the children at
Bola Pra Frente. Initially it will be targeted at kids between
the ages of 12 and 13, who will begin to write to one-another
at Christmas 2004. This project promises to generate a beautiful
link between Brazilian and British children.
More information will soon be posted on the International Exchange page.
Click the thumbnails below to view some pictures from the project:
