Favelas Project

A group of Sixth Formers have established a powerful new partnership, connecting with disadvantaged children in the favelas of Rio.

Our Head of Psychology, together with Rio-based post-doc researcher Dr Arianna Cortesi, has initiated the pioneering online project with the aim of opening doors to underprivileged children in Brazil, as well as opening the minds of our own students.

Since January, a committed group of Lower Sixth students have been hosting live, 90 minute sessions via Zoom every Friday after school, to engage 8 to 12 year olds with learning – from basic English and Science, to topics such as body image and positive relationships. One student, Filipa, speaks Portuguese and has even taken an online course to learn more about transformative teaching.

 “Seeing the kids grow more confident is so fulfilling. We are teaching sustainable skills and everlasting mind sets which will hopefully provide them with the hope to change their future.” – Filipa

“This experience has made me realise how privileged I am to receive the education that I am currently getting and makes me want to do what I can to help boost their education.” – Clare

“Seeing their faces after every session and the smiles that we can put on their faces warms my heart.” – Lola  

Ms Massey-Smith, Head of Psychology, added: “The girls have been so proactive planning lessons, coming up with ideas and overcoming barriers – from patchy WiFi to limited language skills – yet they are making such valuable human connections.”