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The Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano Institute, an organization that supports children and teenagers in Corumbá, on the Brazil-Bolivia border, celebrates its 20th anniversary with the award for Best Cultural NGO of 2024. The recognition was awarded at the Melhores Ongs (Best NGOs) award, held annually by the Instituto Doar – Social Certifier and the Instituto O Mundo Que Queremos.
Currently, Moinho serves 400 students, both Brazilian and Bolivian, at risk of vulnerability, aged between six and 18 years old. A bus picks up the students from their homes and takes them to the Moinho headquarters, located on the banks of the Paraguai River. There, they have free music and ballet classes, always during the countershift of their school hours. Being enrolled in a public school and getting good grades is an essential condition to participate in the institute's activities.
Through cultural activities, Moinho teaches discipline, respect, responsibility, and, most importantly, how to turn dreams into reality. Throughout its existence, the organization has served over 25,000 people, many of whom have pursued careers in the arts.
Aline Silva Espírito Santo graduated in performing arts and now teaches ballet at Moinho. Ewerton Guilherme Guimarães is about to begin a residency with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. Even those who did not continue in music or dance recognize that Moinho was a springboard to success in life.
Marcia Rolon, the executive director of the institute, says the list of alumni includes more than 180 professions. Lavínia studied at Moinho for 10 years and went to college to become an early childhood education teacher. Yasmim is now a dentist. Joelson Aparecido dos Santos Soares became a parliamentary advisor and now lives in the state capital, Campo Grande. He spent six years at Moinho and says that the organization shows young people without prospects the paths to a new reality.
Anyone wishing to support Moinho Cultural can donate any amount through the website moinhocultural.doeaqui.ong.br.