On Wednesday 10th September, K2 Brazil’s Country Director, Patricia Tavares, and Financial and Admin Coordinator, Ana Paduan, were accompanied by members of the PremierDS team on their latest visit to the São Paulo school.
The new school, a replacement for an existing facility that was no longer fit for purpose, opened its doors in the São Paulo district of Parelheiros at the start of the year. The construction of the new building was the K2 Foundation’s first major project; now completed, the project provides children in the local community with a safe and vibrant space to learn, play and grow.
Whilst the project was led by the K2 Foundation, and driven forward by the K2 Brazil team, K2’s partner network also played an important role in ensuring that the school opened with all the required supplies and finishing touches in place. Partners donated not only time and money, but also much-needed practical and decorative items.
The school is operated by ‘ Associação Semeando Amor com a Tia Mônica’ – the incredible charity organisation responsible for setting up the original school. Ana and Patricia, who make regular visits to the school to check in with the charity’s founders (sisters Mônica and Selma) and their team of volunteers, were delighted to have the opportunity to take seven PremierDS guests on a tour of the site.
Patricia comments:
“It was an honour to be able to show the PremierDS team around the school, enabling them to see first-hand the amazing impact it is having. Visiting in-person, meeting the students, walking the school halls – you get a greater understanding of the true value of the project and what it means to each and every child who attends.”
Patricia continues:
“PremierDS donated the paint that was used for the mural on the front of the building, so right from the moment they arrived, they were able to see how their contributions have shaped the school and the vital role their partnership has played. They also more recently donated a refrigerator and an industrial blender to support the school’s kitchen operation – and it really is an operation making sure all the children receive nutritious meals every day!”
Once inside the school, the children welcomed the group, which included President and Founder of PremierDS, Rita Hernandez, with a short presentation. The visitors were then invited to join some of the students for a game of skittles. The game saw players knock down skittles representing worries and fears, and was designed to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, in line with the themes of ‘Yellow September’.
After the school tour was complete, the children spent some time making thank you posters for the guests. Before they left, everyone was given a personalised potted herb plant, hand-picked from the school’s rooftop garden, to take away as a memento of the visit.
Reflecting on the visit, Rita comments:
“What an incredible privilege it was to visit the school during my trip to São Paulo. Walking through the classrooms, seeing the bright smiles of the children, and witnessing the dedication of the loving teachers, who give their time and hearts to care for so many, moved me deeply. This experience reminded me that with even a small contribution, we can help create brighter futures and provide opportunities where they are needed most.”
Regional Business Manager for PremierDS, Danilo Souza Cruz Rodrigues, who was also in attendance, adds:
“From the beginning, we have had the honour of contributing to this transformative initiative that brings hope, education, and opportunities to children and families in the community.
Every smile we saw, every act of kindness, and every revitalised space reminded us that when different groups of people come together for a greater purpose, the results go far beyond what can be measured.”
Danilo continues:
“At PremierDS, we believe our responsibility goes beyond the world of global mobility. Being part of initiatives like this connects us even more to what truly matters: creating a positive impact in people’s lives.”
The K2 Foundation are committed to supporting the school with operational costs on a long-term basis. If you would like to make a donation to enable the school to keep on delivering life-changing services within the Parelheiros community, you can do so here.
