Carousel children learn to read whilst having fun

“I enjoyed it so much, I learned how to read. I love to sing, play soccer and everything else. The project gave me the chance to practice sports, music, crafts and have fun.
Tereza, 9 years of age.

Like Tereza, 300 children from Cidade Olimpica, Brazil are taking part in fun activities including soccer, sports, capoeira and theatre. The Knowledge Carousel, a project supported by Plan, gives children the opportunity to play and learn together at their local Community Soccer School, whilst also developing their reading, writing and poetry skills.

“I entered this project because of soccer, but later found an interest in reading. Through reading I discovered other ways to ‘look at life’. I really like this project because it complemented our life.”
Tacila, 16 years of age. She particularly enjoys poetry.

As part of the proejct children can take part in:

Children practising capoeira

Capoeira
Children are encouraged to become involved in the traditional Brazilian martial art of capoeira, which integrates dance and ritual with gravity defying acrobatics. Children have been participating in local tournaments. The groups are led by youths from local communities.

Duuring a rehearsal

Theatre
In partnership with a students’ theatre group, two groups of 20 children are involved in all stages of theatre production. Play texts, costumes and backgrounds are prepared through the participation of the children in activities that mix craftsmanship and recycling skills.

Children playing music

Music
33 children are learning to write songs and sing about important issues affecting their lives, with the help from a young female musician.

Reading workshops
One of the key activities of the project. All children participating in football/soccer/sports activities have the opportunity to become involved in reading workshops. So far, 240 children have taken part in free reading and guidance practices three times a week.

Arts workshop
Assisted by a local artist, children participate in workshops about art crafts making, painting and drawing activities.

Children developing their It skills

Computing
12 voluntary instructors help children gain and develop their computer knowledge, providing invaluable training that often their families would not normally be able to afford.

Poetry workshop
Twenty children attend the workshop once a week, which encourages children to discuss, read and write poetry. The group recently participated in a poetry event, and their strong interest and enjoyment of the workshops has led many of them to get further involved in the project by leading other group activities.

“The Knowledge Carousel project helps us to leave the streets, as we attend its activities. It provides us with sports and reading (activities).”
Adson, 15 years of age.

 “I have four children in the project and think it is very important and after they have started taking part in the project they are doing better in school.” Raimundo, father of four.