Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima

In 1968, a Franciscan friar named Ambrogio Fornasiero, affectionately known as Frei Xavier, arrived in the Veleiros district of São Paulo. He carried a vision. He dreamed of a place where underprivileged children and young people could find education and a path to a brighter future. This dream began to materialize with the Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima. Right here, at the Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima, you can feel the echoes of Frei Xavier’s ambition. In 1971, the first tangible piece of his dream appeared: Creche Nossa Senhora de Fátima. This daycare provided free care for children aged 1 to 6. The Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima quickly expanded its reach. It aimed to provide comprehensive education for all ages. The Escola Profissional Nossa Senhora de Fátima opened its doors in 1979. It offered vocational training and education to vulnerable adolescents and young adults. The school not only prepared them for the job market but also sought to strengthen family ties and encourage community involvement. The Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima also demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial spirit. In 1980, they launched a metalworking shop to generate funds for their educational programs. With growing demand, a second unit, Escola Profissional Cristo Mestre, was built in 1994 with support from organizations like the C&A Institute and the Italian Episcopal Conference. Their commitment to self-sufficiency continued. They opened a bakery in 1995, capable of producing 20,000 loaves daily, followed by a printing shop in 1997. These ventures allowed the Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima to fund new classes and vocational courses. In 2006, further expansions accommodated courses in management and tourism. They also strengthened the school workshops. Today, the Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima serves around 1,300 students annually. Nine vocational courses are offered. The original daycare continues to care for 150 children full-time. Adolescents, young adults, and adults participate in courses focused on professional training and personal development. Around 2,000 people aged 13 and above are involved in activities promoting education, culture, leisure, and ethical and social values. The Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima now also offers adult training in basic computer skills and electrical work. Both units of the Escola Profissional continue to thrive. They offer courses in automation and robotics, electromechanics, administration, visual communication, and computer science, as well as English language instruction. Since 2002, the Conexão Trabalho internship center has facilitated student entry into the job market. They partner with over 50 companies to offer paid internships lasting from six months to a year. Around 40 volunteers support the Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima in areas like pedagogy, administration, and fundraising. The Instituto Social Nossa Senhora de Fátima stands as a testament to the enduring power of one man’s vision. It has transformed the lives of countless young people and continues to be a beacon of hope in the Veleiros community.