The VOA II Project

Children & youth

May 20

Written By Annikken Grieg Sæthre

Who: Children At Risk Foundation

What: The VOA II Project

Where: São Paulo, Brazil

Project period: 2025

About the project

VOA - A Holistic Approach to Social Change in Brazil The VOA Project is a transformative initiative designed to create long-term change for children and families living in the urban slums of São Paulo, Brazil. The project is run by the Norwegian foundation Children At Risk Foundation (CARF) and its Brazilian partner organization, Rede Cultural Beija-Flor (RCBF).

The VOA Project addresses both immediate needs and the root causes of poverty, violence, and social exclusion in and around the local vulnerable communities of RCBF's operations in Diadema, São Paulo. What sets VOA apart is its holistic approach to complex social issues. The project supports children, youth, and families through three interconnected pillars:

Arts & Culture: Creative workshops, combined with socio-emotional support, give children in vulnerable communities the space to express themselves, heal, and build self-worth and resilience - critical for learning and long-term development.
Vocational Training: Youth and adults gain access to skills training, education, and job placement services. This helps them break free from cycles of unemployment and create sustainable livelihoods.
Valiant Girls: Girls from marginalized communities are offered scholarships, educational mentoring, and psycho-social support.

The program also promotes awareness of gender equality and the rights of girls and women. At the heart of VOA is the belief that true change starts from within. By nurturing both inner strength and practical skills, we aim to help individuals reclaim their futures-and lift entire families out of poverty. Thanks to the support of the Grieg Foundation, the VOA Project continues to foster hope, dignity, and opportunity - rebuilding lives and communities from within.

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About the organization

Children At Risk Foundation (CARF) is a Norwegian foundation dedicated to supporting at-risk children and families in the slums of São Paulo, Brazil. In partnership with the Brazilian organization Rede Cultural Beija-Flor (RCBF), we run activity centers that offer children safety, care, and opportunities for a better future. Our approach is holistic. Through arts and cultural activities, we help children develop confidence, resilience, and self-worth – laying the foundation for further education and vocational training at our centers. We also support families, especially single mothers, by offering vocational training and job placement. Together, we work to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change. By strengthening both the individual and their community, we aim to give every child and every family a real chance to thrive.