Every child knows the feeling of being swept into a story.
With the turn of the first page, a classroom suddenly gives way to a make-believe kingdom. Alongside friends, children become explorers, heroes, and creators, discovering new worlds and new possibilities.
In Brazil, Global Communities is turning that sense of wonder into a joyful approach to early learning. Through art, music, movement, and play, books become an opportunity to build confidence, spark curiosity, and expand young imaginations.
Now in its third year, the Minha Primeira Infância (“My Early Childhood”) project is continuing its work in Catalão, reaching 496 additional children ages 0-6 through immersive storytelling while deepening partnerships with local schools and educators.
“With the arrival of the play equipment and structures provided by [Global Communities], our school became more colorful and full of meaning during playtime.”
Angélica Schneiders, Teacher, EMEI São José Operário
At the heart of the project is a carefully designed “Literary Trail.” Each month, a children’s book becomes the guiding thread for weekly interactive workshops, where stories unfold beyond the page through body expression, musical exploration, and imaginative play. Rather than simply listening to a story, children step inside it, connecting with their cultural heritage while strengthening their ability to communicate, work with others, and try new things.
The project also invests deeply in educators. Through hands-on training and ongoing collaboration, teachers gain practical tools and creative approaches they can continue using long after the workshops end. School improvements are underway as well, helping create spaces where children can truly thrive during critical learning years.
“There are small details we sometimes can’t address in the day-to-day routine,” says Élis Coelho, a teacher at CMEI Natália Safatle Soares. “The workshop leaders notice them and provide just that little adjustment, that bit of encouragement that a child needs to keep developing.”
Fransoaze Kerber, another teacher, has watched children become “more self-confident, more autonomous, and more creative” since the project began, noticing an improvement in both their behavior and skills development.
Families are seeing those changes, too.
“We are so happy to see his progress,” shared Franciele Schreder, the mother of one young participant. “It is certainly a seed planted in each child that will make a big difference in the future for each of them.”
Since launching in 2024 in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and with sponsorship from John Deere, Minha Primeira Infância has reached 13 public institutions and directly benefited nearly 4,000 children. The project has also trained more than 750 local educators and delivered over 7,400 hours of workshops across 142 classrooms in Brazil.
Learn more about Minha Primeira Infância through Global Communities Brazil.