What We Do
Welcome to Island of the Children
Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC)
Imagine a place where children, adolescents, and young people are encouraged to grow, thrive, and discover their unique talents.
That is Ilha das Crianças — a space for learning, connection, and belonging. Here, children and young people experience care, respect, and joy while embracing culture, community, territory, and ancestry as living elements of their daily lives.
Our mission is to promote the holistic development of children, adolescents, and young people in vulnerable communities. We strengthen autonomy, critical thinking, and meaningful connections with their community. By expanding opportunities, we help reduce inequalities and advance social justice.
Through after-school programs, we offer activities and workshops that nurture multiple dimensions of personal development.
We also believe in the transformative power of nature in education. Our agroforestry garden serves as a living laboratory, where we cultivate not only food, but also knowledge, responsibility, and respect for the land and its natural cycles. We provide healthy meals, prioritizing fresh ingredients — many harvested directly from our own garden.
Our educational approach is inspired by liberating and humanistic pedagogies, such as those of Paulo Freire, Rudolf Steiner, and Maria Montessori, emphasizing student agency, meaningful learning, and care for others and the world around us.
741
people directly impacted by our projects and initiatives.
52
workshops, projects, and activities carried out throughout the year strengthen education, culture, and social development.
+ €150 tsd
invested annually in initiatives that transform lives and empower communities.
Unlocking Opportunities in Vulnerable Communities
Itaparica: The Social Context of a Territory in Need of Opportunities
The island Itaparica is located in northeastern Brazil, near the metropolitan region of Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia. The island is accessible by ferry in about one hour, connecting the mainland to a territory of remarkable natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Despite its natural landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance, the island faces significant social challenges, including inequality, fragile infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. The estimated population is around 65,000 people.
At the same time, Itaparica holds a valuable cultural heritage, strong community bonds, and significant human potential. When recognized and supported, this potential can drive sustainable, fair, and inclusive development.
Challenges
The Island of the Children operates in a context marked by significant social challenges and remains fully committed to defending the rights of children, adolescents, and young people. We address multiple rights violations within a reality shaped by social vulnerability and limited public safety. At the same time, we combat food insecurity and structural inequality while responding to environmental challenges that directly affect the health and well-being of the entire community.
Malnutrition
Food insecurity and unbalanced nutrition affect a substantial portion of the population.
Crime
Violence and insecurity represent some of the greatest threats to the future of children and young people.
Child Labor
Early exposure to labor remains a harsh reality in our region.
Environmental Pollution
Unplanned settlement and improper waste disposal accelerate the degradation of coastal ecosystems and threaten marine life.
A project by WCTAG hilft e.V.
Education and Culture
Environmental Education
Quality of Life
Education and Culture
Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Identity
This area provides essential tools for intellectual development, fosters autonomy in learning, and promotes appreciation for cultural diversity. The goal is to prepare participants for a self-directed, engaged, and future-oriented life path.
Environmental Education
Fostering Awareness and Respect for Nature
This area promotes environmental awareness and a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting natural ecosystems. It highlights the connection between environmental care, quality of life, and the well-being of future generations.
Quality of Life
Cultivating Health, Well-being, and Social Interaction
This area focuses on physical, mental, and social development. Through sports, creative, and community-based activities, participants adopt healthy habits, strengthen social skills, and learn important values such as respect, responsibility, and cooperation.
The AIC organizes its work into interconnected areas of action aimed at the holistic development of children, adolescents, and young people. Each area includes a set of workshops and activities that complement one another, creating a comprehensive and meaningful learning experience.
Areas of Action and Educational Programs of Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC)
Promoting Holistic Development
Creative Learning Workshops
With Education we can change the world.
Below you can explore our workshops and the difference each one makes in the lives of children, adolescents, and young people.
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Individual and group support to ensure the development of essential reading and writing skills, fundamental for academic success and full social participation. Pedagogical guidance addresses each child’s specific needs and strengthens learning autonomy.
LITERACY & LEARNING SUPPORT
In an increasingly digital world, this workshop builds the skills needed to use digital technologies critically, creatively, and safely—from basic computer and internet use to communication, research, and digital content production.
COMPUTER BASICS
Learning a second language opens doors to new cultures, educational opportunities, and future professional paths.
ENGLISH
More than a martial art, capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression. It promotes physical development (strength, coordination, flexibility), musicality, discipline, respect for history and culture, and social interaction.
CAPOEIRA
Through diverse techniques and materials, this workshop fosters creativity, personal expression, aesthetic perception, fine motor skills, and new ways of understanding and interpreting the world.
VISUAL ARTS
Theater activities strengthen creativity, body and verbal expression, self-confidence, teamwork, and interpersonal communication.
THEATER
Different styles and rhythms promote body expression, coordination, rhythm, spatial awareness, social interaction, and artistic appreciation, while contributing to physical and emotional well-being.
DANCE
Instrumental and vocal practice supports cognitive, social, and cultural development. Music classes stimulate discipline, creativity, and focus, strengthen self-esteem, and offer a meaningful path for expression and belonging.
MUSIC
This martial art promotes strength, balance, coordination, agility, and flexibility, along with discipline, respect, self-control, self-confidence, and socialization. It also supports mental health and emotional well-being.
JUDO
Various sports promote physical health, teamwork, respect for rules, and resilience. Traditional games also strengthen local identity, creativity, expression, and social interaction.
SPORTS GAMES
Through theoretical and practical activities, children and adolescents learn about local ecosystems, biodiversity, human environmental impact, and sustainable practices.
SUSTAINABILITY
Participants learn the full food production cycle—from planting and organic cultivation to harvesting—developing a direct connection with the land and healthy lifestyle habits.
HORTICULTURE
Our Theory of Change
At the AIC, we believe in the power of well-planned social action. Our Theory of Change guides every step we take to create lasting positive impact in the lives of children, adolescents, and young people facing vulnerability, promoting holistic development and social inclusion.
Starting Point
We work in contexts marked by violence, inequality, limited resources, and restricted opportunities. In these circumstances, our work becomes essential.
Our Actions:
We work across three core pillars:
Education and Culture: Promotion of local culture through art, music, dance, theater, academic support, reading, and digital education to foster knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking.
Environmental Education: Community gardens, beach clean-ups, and environmental education initiatives build ecological awareness and responsibility.
Quality of Life: Sports, health promotion, psychosocial support, and well-being activities strengthen physical and emotional development.
Results
Short-term: Increased school attendance and stronger social bonds.
Medium-term: Reduced school dropout rates and greater community engagement.
Long-term: Empowered young people, fairer communities, and reduced social inequality.
Assumptions
We believe that education, cultural participation, and strong social ties generate protection, awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Logic Model
A continuous cycle that develops empowered young people and supportive communities.
Monitoring
We regularly assess data and testimonials to continuously improve our programs.
Next Steps
We will refine our strategies, strengthen partnerships, and enhance our indicators to ensure a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Social Service
Social and Psychosocial Services of Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC): Comprehensive Protection and Family Strengthening
The Social Service of the AIC works strategically to guarantee rights under the Brazilian Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) and to ensure the comprehensive protection of children, adolescents, and their families. Its focus lies in strengthening family bonds and providing support to address challenges such as violence, conflict, and social vulnerability.
Core Mission
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Ensure Rights: Promote well-being and family protection in accordance with the ECA.
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Foster Agency: Develop social and emotional skills that strengthen family autonomy.
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Prevent Risks: Act preventively to reduce violence and address social challenges.
The psychosocial sector humanizes care by integrating Psychology and Social Work with ethics and respect. AIC promotes personal growth and citizenship through social assistance services and socio-educational group initiatives such as “Pausa para um Café”, empowering families to build dignified living environments.
To guarantee comprehensive social protection, AIC maintains strategic partnerships within the local support network. Depending on needs, we collaborate with institutions such as CRAS (Basic Social Protection), CREAS (Specialized Social Protection), the Child Protection Council, CAPS (Psychosocial Care Services), and CAEE (Specialized Educational Support), ensuring coordinated and effective assistance to the population.
Healthy Nutrition
Healthy Nutrition Program – Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC)
At the Island of the Children, nutrition is a fundamental pillar of holistic development. Our Healthy Nutrition Program provides balanced, nutrient-rich meals prepared with fresh ingredients while fostering healthy eating habits from an early age.
How does the program work?
The program is built on carefully designed and continuously monitored menus that go beyond basic nutrition. Nutritional education is integrated into our activities through playful and interactive approaches, transforming mealtimes into moments of learning, awareness, and joy.
Professional Nutrition Support
The excellence of our program is ensured by qualified nutrition professionals responsible for:
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Developing and adjusting meal plans;
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Ensuring food quality and safety;
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Providing guidance and training to staff and families.
Our commitment is to nourish both body and mind, ensuring that every child grows strong and develops lifelong healthy eating habits.
Ponto de Cultura
The Ministry of Culture of Brazil certifies the organisation Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC) as a Cultural Hub - Ponto de Cultura. The institution expands its role as a space for cultural production, learning, and community participation, promoting local identity, inclusion, and the active engagement of children and adolescents. The Cultural Hub will also serve as a centre for gathering, exchange of knowledge, and strengthening cultural diversity.
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