Following the example of its holy founders and committing itself to dedicating its best efforts on behalf of young people, the RSB has undertaken a great fundraising work in the country which, from 2019 to date, despite two years deeply marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, has raised, through the Federal Government's Culture Incentive Law, more than 1 million reais (equal to about 190 thousand euro), all destined for projects for young people. "Counting the direct and indirect public, that is, the annual workshops offered by the projects and the final events and shows, about 3,000 beneficiaries were served in the projects already finalised," reported Sandra Sahd, RSB consultant for the writing of cultural projects and provider of services for fundraising.
Fundraising activities began in the second half of 2019 with a process of visiting some Salesian social works in Brazil. From then on, an investigation was carried out to start writing the projects and registering them on the Federal Government's website, but already in the following year, with the obstacles imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many initiatives had to be stopped. "Some projects, such as those in Joinville, Ponte Nova, Pindamonhangaba and Campo Grande, should have been carried out in 2021, but due to the pandemic they are being carried out now, in 2022/23", says Sandra.
Thanks to the considerable Salesian activity in this context, through the Culture Incentive Law, the Salesian social works in Brazil have been able to carry out or are carrying out the following projects:
- "Menino Jesus" Foundation, in Ponte Nova: project "Teatro das Virtudes" (completed);
- Province of Brazil Campo Grande, in Campo Grande: project "Teatro das Virtudes" (reporting);
- Salesian Cooperators of Pindamonhangaba: project "Camerata Jovem" (reporting);
- Joinvillense Institute of Education and Assistance, in Joinville: project: "Dança e Arte" (reporting);
- "Menino Jesus" Foundation, in Ponte Nova: project "MusicanteMeninos de Ponte Nova" (ongoing);
- Work for the Defense of Poor Children (ODIP), in Gravatá (PE): project: "ODIP Culturarte" (ongoing);
- "Nossa Senhora da Penha" Social Works, in Linhares; project: "INSP Cultur´arte" (ongoing).
The duration of each proposal varies depending on the project, but on average ranges from 6 months to 1 year.