Programa Comunitário da Reconciliação


At the "Cantinho da Comunidade", the Community Corner, the staff of Reconciliação, supported by a great number of volunteers, assist an approximate total of 500 teenagers, families and adults from Vila São José. Round tables, lectures and a variety of courses convey to the neighbouring population the feeling that their needs are being attended to and offers them the possibility of improving their education. Handicrafts and housekeeping The Community Corner offers a number of courses which teach handicrafts and housekeeping. Members of the community learn to handle sewing machines, dressmaking and needlework, as well as manufacturing little dolls, silken flowers, soap and other ornamental articles. Many volunteers help the staff and make available their knowledge and skills to the community members. The production of these manyfold activities are sold on charity sales. There is also a kitchen at the Community Corner, with a great variety of courses: cooking includes knowledge about healthy nutrition and the sensible use of food, making the most of the available simple ingredients. Breadbaking is taught using whole grains. IT courses The IT room at the Community Corner holds a number of computers available for teaching, since adequate training in this area is absolutely essential nowadays in many professions. A basic course teaches how to handle a computer and its most important programs. An advanced course in graphics introduces specific programs which focus on visual arts, enabling the participants to create calling cards and invitations, by means of which they are offered the possibility of earning some extra money. Hardware courses are taught as well, introducing the pupils to technical aspects, repairs and general maintenance of the machines.

Hairdressing and beauty parlour

In the beauty parlour teenagers and adults learn hairdressing and manicuring. Moreover, members of the neighbouring community are offered these services in return for a small contribution. Many former participants have managed to start earning a living owing to the acquisition of these skills.

Reading and writing

In a joint venture with the City of São Paulo, "Reconciliação" puts forward basic teaching in reading and writing, using the premises of the Community Corner and of the headquarters. These courses are mainly meant for the great number of adults who do not at all or scarcely read and write. Since many of the participants did not go to school in their childhood, or only for a short period of time, the teachings include arithmetic and general knowledge.

Round tables, assistance, christian celebrations

Chats and regular ecumenic christian celebrations with the staff and the pastors of the Lutheran Church offer the community members an opportunity to talk about their problems. Efforts are made aiming at finding solutions which may soothe the difficulties that have to be overcome day by day. The community will also find psychotherapeutic support.