When we first set foot in São Paulo, Brazil, we had no idea we were about to encounter such a special organization transforming the lives of young women – Associação Feminina de Estudos Sociais e Universitários (Afesu). Over the course of ten days, as part of CAF America’s 2024 Site Visit Program, we toured six nonprofit organizations in the country, but our experience at Afesu stood out. The energy at Afesu’s learning center in the Villa Missionaria neighborhood of São Paulo was palpable – a blend of hope, opportunity, and determination to break down barriers for girls seeking brighter futures.
Our journey to Brazil was more than a routine check in. CAF America’s site visits are designed to provide firsthand insights into the local communities our partners serve. Sending 14 colleagues to charitable partners around the world in early 2024, these site visits help us build stronger relationships with grantees, refine our grant strategies, and ensure that every dollar is being used effectively to create lasting change.
Afesu: Pioneering Education and Empowerment
Associação Feminina de Estudos Sociais e Universitários (Afesu) is one of the first social organizations in Brazil to provide 100% free education and professional qualification for women in Brazil. The organization began its charitable work in 1963 by providing women in São Paulo with practical skills, such as weaving and crafting, enabling them to earn an income and increase their economic mobility. Today, they operate in three locations across the São Paulo area and have supported more than 40,000 community members, including beneficiaries and their families, ranking among the 100 Best NGOs in Brazil.
Afesu continues to support young women’s economic and social development in Brazil by keeping up with and adapting to the changing job market in Brazil. They now offer free recreational and educational after school programs, professional development workshops, and technical courses for young women. All technical courses by Afesu are approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture, meaning once girls complete the programs, they are immediately qualified to enter careers in gastronomy and nursing. In addition to technical skills, girls have the opportunity to take part in professional development courses and apply for internships through Afesu’s professional partnerships in São Paulo.
“By encouraging girls to engage in these fields, we are empowering them to tackle the challenges of the future and make meaningful contributions to society. STEM offers a range of opportunities, from innovative careers to solutions for global issues. By involving girls in STEM, we are helping to close the gender gap in these fields and promote equal opportunities.”
– Elis Kauahara Araujo, Director at AFESU
CAF America’s Partnership with Afesu
Since 2021, CAF America has funded $435,795 in grants to Afesu. With our donors’ support, Afesu expanded its popular STEM program The Maker Lab (Technology for Girls) project, which enables young women to become leaders in traditionally male-dominated fields. Girls who take part learn techniques such as vector drawing, 3D printing, programming, making and editing photos or videos, virtual reality, and laser cutting, empowering them to develop ideas and projects using technology. The program also includes socio-economic development courses and training in soft skills, preparing the girls for leadership roles in both their careers and personal lives.
Site Visit Experience
At Afesu’s learning center, we were welcomed by eager students and passionate staff. The center buzzed with activity as we toured classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art tools. From the sample hospital rooms where future nurses practiced CPR to the 3D-printing lab, every space was designed to give girls practical experience for the real world.
“I used to be afraid of public speaking, but now I have the confidence to feel comfortable talking to large crowds.”
– Maria-Eduarda, student at Afesu
Afesu places great emphasis on these soft skills; members of staff that we spoke to discussed how developing soft skills can positively impact both the girls’ personal lives as well as their professional opportunities. We spoke to several nursing students and asked them what sets them apart from the other nurses at the hospitals where they’re doing their residency. They told us that, in addition to the basic programs, students learn about ethics and psychology at Afesu. Unlike most nurses who are only focused on the technical aspects, these nursing students were sensitive to both the physical and psychological needs of their patients. Our guides noted that they have received very positive feedback from doctors in the hospitals about this attribute. They were visibly proud of their students and it quickly became clear that the members of staff cared a great deal for all of the young women who attend their school.
“When we see them, we know they’re safe and we feel better.”
– Member of Afesu Staff
This feeling is clearly reciprocated. As we toured the facility we saw many students who had come in on their own initiative to do homework. The facility had teachers readily available to assist with their work, along with a library offering resources that the girls would not have access to otherwise.
Looking Ahead
The exceptional quality of Afesu’s equipment and the diverse range of classes they offer makes admission to the school highly desirable. The guides told us that there are over 100 girls that are on their waiting list, eager to secure a spot at the institution. Marketing is not an issue for Afesu as the girls’ genuine love for the facility naturally attracts more students. Our guides expressed a deep desire to expand their capacity but noted that this would be impossible without further funding. With CAF America’s and donors’ continued support, Afesu hopes to expand their capacity to admit more girls as soon as possible.
Learn More and Support Afesu
Learn more about the incredible work being done by Afesu and how you can support their programs.
Learn more about the great work done by organizations we support by viewing our other Stories of Impact.
