We are from Brazil and in 2014 we moved to Senegal with our children with the aim of serving the people of Senegal through social entrepreneurship initiatives. In 2023 we opened our institute in Orlando - FL.
In Senegal we opened an Institute and named it DORCAS as a tribute to a woman whose story is recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts chapter 9, verses 36 – 42. She was known for the love she had for the needy in her city, going to great lengths to care for them and ensure your well-being.
This love was so great that after her death, the widows begged the disciples to do something, because without her they would all be helpless. And so, by the power of the Spirit of God, she was brought back to life to carry on her work. Like Dorcas, we are committed to providing support to people in vulnerable socioeconomic situations in Senegal.
Our area of expertise is teaching, because we believe in education as a tool to empower people, broadening their worldview and helping them to develop their full potential.
We started with a computer science class in a space provided by the church, which later moved to the garage of our house, until in 2016 the Institute left our house and started to operate in its own space.Our flagship is the one-year IT training, which ranges from basic to advanced levels. At the end of the training, our students are ready to work as computer technicians. Our differential is popular prices combined with excellence in teaching. Today we already have a work team made up of young Senegalese trained at our Institute. With the profit from our activities and the cash donations we receive, we grant scholarships to low-income students, with special incentives for girls, in order to reduce the gender inequalities, so marked in the country.Furthermore, we are currently building a school in a small town called Thiadiaye, 2 hours away from the capital. This small town is surrounded by villages and has more than 400 children who don't have any schools nearby. Early childhood education classes should start in October/2021.
Thiadiaye has a population of approximately 13,000 people, many of whom live in villages without access to resources such as sanitation, electricity or schools. Most of the inhabitants of the region belong to the Serère ethnic group, whose predominant economic activity is subsistence agriculture and whose population in this region remains unreached by the Gospel.
Considering the needs and potential of its inhabitants, we decided to build a school in that locality. The school opened in November 2021 under the name Kër Dorcas and currently has 75 children enrolled. In addition to regular academic activities, we also promote nutrition programs, evangelism and educational actions for the community.
We started with two pre-school classes and have opened new classes as the children advance in series, always keeping those that are already enrolled. We receive an average of 44 new applicants each year and have expanded the facilities gradually until we reach the target number of students - approximately 400 children.
Our projection is to meet until October 2026 more than 188 children.
* This projection takes into account the school calendar of Senegal, whose school year starts in October and ends in July.
Currently, the school maintains itself with three sources of resources: a small quail breeding business developed by the Dorcas Institute itself; a small monthly fee that is paid by the students' families; and partner offers.
We work to provide children in the region with excellent academic training, combined with a healthy nutrition program, by developing education actions, health and community development activities among the families of students. In addition to promoting evangelism actions in a contextually and relevant manner, taking into account the specificities and needs of that community;
We work with a pedagogy based on affection, belonging and appreciation of the potential of each child; Inclusive education;
child protection and child abuse prevention policies and actions;
Daily healthy nutrition programme for all students; Valuing local labour at all hierarchical levels, including leadership; Development and awareness-raising actions for parents and guardians; Home visits; Contextualized evangelism;