Who We Are
We believe in a world where equity and social justice pave the way for the prosperity of all people. That is why we empower individuals to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.
Join Us
A Global Initiative with a Heart in Itaparica
Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC) is a non-profit organization in Brazil and a living expression of the global commitment of the umbrella organization WCTAG Hilft. Our shared mission is to promote sustainable support and development opportunities for people in vulnerable life situations, guided by a multicultural perspective and political neutrality.
A key part of this commitment is empowering individuals to become agents of the change they wish to see in their own lives and communities. We firmly believe that investing in the education of children, adolescents, and young people is the foundation for a hopeful future. In Brazil, this commitment comes to life through concrete, impact-driven initiatives.
In Itaparica, this mission finds its practical expression. At our center in Amoreiras, we work every day to create real opportunities for children, adolescents, and young people — providing a safe and welcoming space for their holistic development.
As Jan Silberstorff describes:
“Taiji helps people rediscover their physical and mental balance. Yet the foundation of life is always food and water, a roof over one’s head, clothing, health, and peace. As a Taiji teacher working around the world, I cannot simply witness poverty — I must do what is possible for me. This supports me as well, while at the same time benefiting those who are in need.”
Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC) is our way of “doing what is possible” in Brazil — a project driven by the vision of a more just world. A world in which children, adolescents, and young people in disadvantaged communities have access to equal opportunities, free from poverty and social injustice.
Our Story: Associação Ilha das Crianças – Shaping Futures on Itaparica Island, Bahia, Brazil
Since 2004, the renowned Taiji master Jan Silberstorff has dedicated his passion and resources to supporting children in vulnerable communities around the world. His vision extends far beyond the practice of Taiji: he recognizes that food, housing, health, and education are fundamental pillars of a dignified future.
Ilha das Crianças was officially founded in 2010 as an inspiring project of WCTAG Hilft e.V., a German non-profit organization affiliated with the World Chen Taijiquan Association Germany (WCTAG). The project is the result of the commitment of its founders, Jan Silberstorff and Ulrike Kramer, with the support of its main sponsor, the Bijou Brigitte Foundation.
The project is located on Itaparica Island, in the community of Amoreiras. Itaparica lies in northeastern Brazil, in the state of Bahia, near the city of Salvador. Here, a former guesthouse was adapted to meet the needs of an educational center for children, adolescents, and young people. On nearly 4,000 m² of land, they have access to education, healthy nutrition, and a safe environment where they can discover and develop their talents.
Over the years, we have witnessed children grow into talented and creative young individuals, start families, and believe in their own dreams. Many families who once lacked direction received our support and now live with dignity — sustained by the opportunities they embraced and the transformations they helped create.
Founders
Founding Partner
A Cause Close to the Heart
Our long-standing partner — the Bijou Brigitte Foundation.
The Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC) project was planned and developed from the very beginning in close collaboration with the Bijou Brigitte Foundation (Germany). Since its creation, the founders of the foundation, Friedrich-Wilhelm Werner and Brigitte Werner, have followed the project’s growth with great dedication and sensitivity.
In 2010, the foundation acquired the property that now houses the child support center, making it fully available for the organization’s philanthropic work. To this day, the foundation remains committed to financing a large part of AIC activities — a gesture of trust, solidarity, and social responsibility.
Yet the support goes far beyond financial contributions: the work of AIC is truly a cause close to the Werner family’s heart. They regularly travel from Germany to Brazil to personally visit the children, staff members, and the community, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation that sustain this shared journey.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bijou Brigitte Foundation for their trust, generous support, and close partnership. Together, we look to the future with hope and celebrate a strong, human, and transformative alliance.
Our Highest Priority
Global Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy
Protecting children, adolescents, and young people is an absolute priority at Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC). We follow the Global Safeguarding Policy of WCTAG Hilft, which applies to all staff members, partners, and visitors.
Core commitments:
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Zero tolerance for any form of violence.
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Safe and inclusive environments that respect different genders and identities, with special attention to girls and young women.
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Guidance and support so children and young people know how to report concerns and seek help.
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Accountability: everyone involved understands their role as a protector and is held responsible in case of violations.
Learn more about our Safeguarding Policy and the corresponding guide. Together, we are building a safer future for children, adolescents, and young people.
Defines the national and global strategy, ensures the organization’s long-term alignment, and serves as the main representative to stakeholders.
Holger Röbel
President of the Board
CEO WCTAG Hilft e.V..
Board of Directors
Supports the presidency and operational oversight, ensuring efficient coordination between departments for the execution of strategic plans.
Friedrich-Wilhelm Werner
Vice President of the Board
CEO Bijou Brigitte Foundation
Ensures transparent and efficient resource management — essential for project sustainability — and also provides pro bono legal consulting.
Michel Asseff
Finance Director
Founding Partner (CEO) Asseff Advogados
Ensures compliance and ethical standards in the organization’s financial and administrative operations.
Igor Luccarini
Fiscal Council Member
CEO & Co-founder Coletivo Matuzza
Collaborates in oversight activities, ensuring the proper application of resources.
Ana Cláudia Pacheco
Fiscal Council Member
Assistant Professor “B”, UNEB – State University of Bahia
Contributes to responsible and transparent management, with a strong focus on fulfilling the organization’s mission.
Joice Nascimento
Fiscal Council Member
Business Administrator and Commercial Manager in the Healthcare Sector
Meet the Team of Ilha Das Crianças
Hearts that Transform Lives
At Island of the Children - Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC), the holistic development of every child and adolescent is driven by a dedicated and passionate team. Meet the people who make a difference every single day:
Strategic leader responsible for daily management, fundraising, partnerships, and human resources – central to the institution’s sustainability.
Toni Cordeiro
CEO
Educator and educational psychologist. Head of the pedagogical sector, develops projects, supports teachers, and ensures the implementation of the educational concept.
Ana Cláudia
Pedagogical Coordinator
Supports families, conducts home visits, connects them with social services, and leads socio-educational workshops.
Valeska Oliveira
Social Worker
Environmental manager. Works with agroecological gardens, animal care, composting and recycling workshops, and community environmental initiatives.
Elineide Ferreira
Social Educator
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Capoeira Angola master. Teaches Capoeira, Maculelê, Samba de Roda, as well as instrument making and Afro-indigenous crafts.
Anatelson Conceição
Social Educator
Manages communication channels such as social media and institutional publications. Guides students in theater, body expression, and stage language.
Evandro Teixeira
Media Assistant - Social Educator
Organizes financial processes, payments, and resource management.
Marcele Reis
Financial Administrator
English teacher and specialist in music and digital education. Leads workshops in communication, music production, singing, and English learning.
Mateus Carvalho
Social Educator
Provides literacy and tutoring classes, building a solid learning foundation through playful methods.
Ana Valéria
Social Educator
Ensures the security of the project during the night.
Bartolomeu
Night Security Guard
Ensures the security of the project during the night.
Lourival
Night Security Guard
Responsible for maintenance, safety, and proper functioning of the building and outdoor areas such as the garden.
Wagner Fraga
Building Maintenance
Ensures healthy nutrition and well-being for the children and team.
Karla Lima
Cook
Young talents who use their acquired audiovisual skills to support our media and communication work and inspire the community.
Responsible for maintenance, safety, and proper functioning of the building and outdoor areas such as the garden.
Jairo dos Santos
Building Maintenance
Enriches our offers in cultural activities through dance as another form of artistic expression.
Thiago Guimarães
Volunteer
Ensures that the AIC facilities are always clean and hygienic – a fundamental requirement for everyone’s health and well-being.
Júlio Cesar
General Services
This multidisciplinary team, united by passion and purpose, works tirelessly to transform lives and build a more dignified future for children and adolescents on Ilha de Itaparica.
Discover the facilities of Island of the Children – Associação Ilha das Crianças (AIC)!
Each area of the organization was designed to promote education, art, and technology. We continue to grow and evolve, actively seeking resources and support so that learning within our community becomes ever more inclusive and creative.
Join Our Mission for Change!
AIC is looking for talented and passionate professionals who want to make a real difference.
If you are seeking a purposeful career opportunity with social impact, send us your CV and join our talent pool. Your experience is essential to the success of our mission.
Internship: Grow professionally while supporting projects that open new possibilities and transform lives.
Volunteering: Contribute your time and talents to social transformation.
Become part of this success story!