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In 2020, Instituto Elos brought its methodology—already practiced in different parts of the world—to adolescents in Santos and surrounding areas for the first time. The goal was to help them see themselves as rights-bearing individuals, develop their talents and skills, and cultivate values of solidarity in their life projects. Since then, Conexão Elos has run five editions and has now expanded.
With funding from the Municipal Fund for the Rights of Children and Adolescents – FUMCAD/SP, managed by the São Paulo Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents – CMDCA/SP, four cohorts are engaged simultaneously. Sixty adolescents experience the Elos Methodology at the same time across Jardim São Manoel, Paquetá, Vila dos Criadores, and Morro Santa Maria. The program runs until early 2025.
Even before we fully know who people are or what a place is, we receive the stories told about them. Distant judgments become beliefs, and beliefs, in turn, turn into absolute truths if we do not open ourselves to other ways of relating to the world and those around us. The Elos Methodology mobilizes us to revisit this perspective—about ourselves, others, and the reality around us. It does not deny challenges or what is missing; it affirms what gives life and movement.
With this spirit, adolescents from four partner territories in Baixada Santista embarked on a twelve-month journey called Conexão Elos, asking themselves: what changes inside and outside me when I learn and choose to live through the lens of abundance and act through the force of cooperation?
Conexão Elos combines civic education, the strengthening of bonds, and youth protagonism. Built around group activities, visits, and encounters with inspiring references, the program expands knowledge and strengthens awareness of both personal and collective potential. Participants develop socio-emotional skills, communication and social mobilization methodologies, teamwork tools, and a sense of community. The process also immerses them in concepts of citizenship, human rights, and the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA).
While developing personally, adolescents practice citizenship through local projects, mentorships, and engagement in public debates of interest. The outcome is a more cohesive community fabric, able to recognize its talents and resources, strengthen support networks, and expand social and democratic participation.
Each territory has its own identity. Vinicius da Silva Tavares, a 27-year-old GSA 2024 facilitator, works alongside Luany Godoy to design and implement activities in the partner territories. He observes that even early in the journey, changes are already visible, which both moves and encourages him. “Adolescents who previously entered quietly and left silently are already expressing themselves more in recent workshops. They are gaining confidence to speak up for others to hear. It’s not magic; it’s a process.”
Conexão is structured around the Elos Methodology, translating its seven steps—Observation, Affection, Dream, Care, Miracle, Celebration, and Re-Evolution—into the context of children and adolescents. In the first weeks, cohorts explored the principles, values, and skills of Observation: finding abundance where others see scarcity. This applies not only to their surroundings but also to themselves.
“When they start realizing they are capable, that they have qualities, potential, talents, things to contribute to the group, they begin to feel more confident and secure,” Vinicius explains. Each cohort’s profile shapes the type of activity: sometimes a direct invitation works for older participants; other times, playful methods are used. “For example, we take paper and have them create a self-portrait, asking what they like to do, what games they enjoy, their favorite food,” he says. “From their answers, we identify qualities, talents, and interests, then show them: ‘Look at all the things you’re good at. Look at all the things you know how to do.’”
Learning is deciding to act. Knowledge is not absorbed all at once; activities are connected over time. Many territories have already started to see their talents emerge through exercises like these. Vinicius emphasizes that it’s about bringing awareness, naming what each adolescent knows, and inviting them to feel safe enough to act—to put into motion what they’ve just discovered.
“In São Manoel, one participant, Miguel, really wanted to sing in the Talent Show, part of the Elos Methodology that transforms self-awareness into action, but he was shy. Then he decided to go for it—and he did. In the end, he really enjoyed it. The same happened in Vila dos Criadores with Giovana. She was proud of her courage to showcase her talent on stage,” Vinicius concludes.