EXPANDING ROOTS
A new space will offer education, culture, and leisure for the community of the Extreme South of Porto Alegre
SOCIAL REPORT
Message from the Board
José Elias Flores Júnior, President of the Deliberative Council
Among the countless qualities of WimBelemDon, its authenticity and commitment to truth stand out. Marcelo Ruschel, Lu Barcelos, and the entire team consistently surpass their own limits, demonstrating this characteristic in all their actions. Upon joining the project, we clearly perceived the truth of these values.
One of WimBelemDon’s mottos is “much more than tennis.” This philosophy was particularly evident in May 2024, when Rio Grande do Sul faced the worst flood in its history. The NGO’s mobilization was remarkable, benefiting thousands of people in nearby communities and throughout the state, providing care, supplies, and assistance, from collecting essential items to their distribution.
In the year it celebrates 25 years, WimBelemDon once again reinvents itself. Still in 2024, the WBD Multi-Experiences Space will be inaugurated at Carlos Santa Helena Square, in front of the project’s headquarters. The space will house the Sabiá do Saibro Sábio Community Library, with a collection of 6,500 volumes available for free loan to the Belém Novo community and the far south of Porto Alegre. Additionally, the space will feature an auditorium for events and film screenings, areas for artistic performances and exhibitions, public restrooms, and full accessibility.
Starting in 2026, our efforts will focus on the WimBelemDon Cultural Center, an expansion project for the headquarters that will include, in a structure of over 200m², a memorial space, administrative area, and multipurpose rooms, enabling an increase in the number of students served, greater diversity in workshop offerings, and improved quality of service.
For all this to come to fruition and for our work to continue evolving, we need concrete collaboration and support. May this Social Report convey the real benefits that WimBelemDon offers to the youth it serves and inspire those who read it to contribute, playing their part in this noble chain of good.
Message from the Superintendent
Marcelo Ruschel, Founder and Superintendent
This report vividly captures the intensity of 2024. I would like to highlight just a few of these moments.
JALESKA MENDES – TWO DECADES OF CONNECTION
Excluding Lu and me, as founders, few have been connected to WimBelemDon for as long as Jaleska. She arrived in 2004, at the age of 8, taking her brother’s spot. Her passion for tennis grew steadily. She learned she had to do well in school to participate in certain tournaments. She improved in school, won some tournaments. At 18, she received a scholarship to study and play tennis at a U.S. university. Her visa was denied. She didn’t give up. She graduated in Physical Education. She was a student, volunteer, intern. Today, she is an educator and a role model for the children. In addition to Jaleska, the sisters and former students Sarah and Maria Luiza Gall also honor us by working with us as educators.
MATURITY AND EXPANSION PLAN
Just as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the May flood came suddenly and devastatingly. No one in Rio Grande do Sul was unaffected, directly or indirectly. For us, it was a delicate moment, requiring quick action while maintaining composure to be effective in our efforts. As during the pandemic, we closely supported all the families of our students. In 2024, we reached maturity as a social organization, enabling us to realize a long-standing dream in 2025, the year we celebrate 25 years of activities. The Jama Institute, founded by Jayme Sirotsky, made possible the execution of over 50% of our Expansion Plan. The first library in the far south of Porto Alegre, named the Sabiá do Saibro Sábio Community Library, is already underway, integrated into the WBD Multi-Experiences Space (in the square adopted in partnership with the City Hall, in front of our headquarters).
MUCH MORE
If you still think WimBelemDon only teaches tennis, I’m sorry, but you are COMPLETELY MISTAKEN. Read this Report to the end and see that WimBelemDon is MUCH MORE THAN TENNIS! We will ensure that the Sabiá do Saibro Sábio Community Library transcends books and goes MUCH FURTHER. The square and the library will form a Community Hub where culture, sports, and leisure will be available to the community. May the myriad stories and dreams that spring from books multiply, aligning with our vocation to promote the holistic development of individuals, with robust physical, mental, and spiritual health, contributing to true Social Transformation.
WIMBELEMDOWMENT
Endowment Fund
Management Organization
MANAGEMENT 2024/2027
Board of Directors: Andréa Fortes
Eduardo Bier Corrêa
Marcelo Ruschel
Rafael Pandolfo
Rodrigo Vontobel
Fiscal Council: Leonardo Baltazar Mauro Barcellos
Roberto Bianchessi
Investment Committee:
Alberto Setúbal
Felipe Schneider Bressani
Tiago Wallau Kretzmann
STEPS ASSOCIATES
• André Anele
• Airton Luiz Rohde
• Alberto Eugênio Kieling
• Alessandro Pastoriza Rodrigues
• Alexsander da Silva Lopes
• André Flach
• Benôni Canellas Rossi
STEPS
Tennis, Education, and Social Participation Society MANAGEMENT 2024/2027
Deliberative Council:
José Elias Flores Junior (President)
Luciana Madrid de Madrid (Vice-President)
Jean Laub (Secretary)
CAEF – COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC AND FISCAL AFFAIRS
Members: Airton Luiz Rohde
Fernando Bartelle Guilherme Burkhart
Rafael Tostes Mottin
Alternates:
Alberto Eugênio Kieling
Heitor Morsch Santos
Marcio Pinto Ramos
Ricardo Foernges Hoerde
• Carlos Steffen
• Cristiano Testa
• Eduardo Pedroso Frick
• Everton Machado de Oliveira
• Fernando Bartelle
• Guilherme Burkhart
• Gustavo Calleffi
• Heitor Morsch Santos
• Jean Laub
• João Carlos Diglio Beltrão
• José Eduardo Soares de Zotti (in memoriam)
• José Elias Flores Jr.
• Lídia Maria Teixeira Rohde
• Liliana Sulzbach
• Luciana Madrid de Madrid
• Luciane Barcelos da Silva
• Marcelo Ruschel da Costa
• Marcelo Vellinho D’Angelo
• Márcio Jucewicz
• Márcio Pinto Ramos
• Martim Merg Muller
• Mauricio Meirelles da Motta
• Paulo Henrique Ruschel
• Rafael Tostes Mottin
• Renato Nunes Vieira Rizzo
• Ricardo Foernges Hoerde
• Ricardo Moreira Nuñez
• Roberto Majó de Oliveira
• Rogério Weber Kirst
• Sérgio Antonio Linck de Mello Saraiva
• Sérgio Sbabo
• Silviane Vezzani
• Vanessa Conz
EQUIPE EM 2025
Employees
• Alex Savio Pereira Pinheiro
• Bernard Martins Paz
• Cristiano Alves Santarem
• Fabiana Silva de Souza
• Felipe Avilla Vidaletti
• Isadora Caroline dos S. Silva
• Jaleska Mendes
• Luciane Barcelos
• Luciara Gomes Cambraia
• Marcelo Ruschel
• Maria Luiza dos Santos Gall
• Mariane Fraga de Lima
• Raphael Ribeiro Trindade
• Sarah dos Santos Gall
• Tainara Adrielen Oliveira
dos Santos
Volunteers
• Cristiane Brum
Cinema em Quadra
• Dalvo Franceschetto
Well-being and Yoga Workshop
• Guilherme Barros da Luz
Psychology
• Cassia Saldanha Farias
Psychology
• Juliana Louck Panichi Psychology
• Isabelle Couto - Learning Laboratory
• Liliana Sulzbach
Cinema em Quadra
• Monica Schmiedt
Cinema em Quadra (in memoriam)
Interns (Psychology)
• Amanda Ramos
• Amanda Santos
• Amanda da Silva Veiga
• Ana Cristina Opitz
• Andréia dos Santos Dias
• Beatriz Rosa
• Fernanda Konig
• Gabriel Guimarães
• Joseana Ávila
• Leonardo Mendes Antunes
• Maria Eduarda Demétrio
• Recieri Reschke Piovesan
• Vitor Carvalho Szabo
Awards
Over the years, the work carried out by WimBelemDon has been recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally. Here are the main awards received by the NGO.
International Certification by The Dot Good, a prestigious independent media organization that annually publishes the World 200 Top SGOs ranking. WimBelemDon ranked 30th among 50 innovative and impactful Brazilian NGOs.
Brazilian Record for Third Sector Crowdfunding – “Fixing Roots” Crowdfunding Campaign – 2015
ABCR Award – Organization of the Year, granted by the Brazilian Association of Fundraisers – 2016
International Certification of Transparency and Best Social Practices by Phomenta, an institution representing Brazil in the International Committee of Agencies monitoring NGOs worldwide – ICFO
Award for the 100 Best NGOs in Brazil in Management and Transparency criteria – 2017 and 2018
Anamatra Human Rights Award –Citizen Category, granted by Anamatra – Honorable Mention – 2014
Tennis Award – Best Social Project linked to tennis, granted by CBT and Tênis Magazine – 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015
One of 13 Brazilian NGOs selected for the Itaú Social Foundation’s Mission in Focus Program – 2019
Parceiros Voluntários Award – Best Social Initiative in the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Region – 2013
ATP Aces for Charity Award – Annual award from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) – 2014
The Nine Pillars of WBD
The work of professionals such as Noemi Paymal, Ken Wilber, Daniel Goleman, Howard Gardner, Vigotsky, and Piaget inspired the project’s pedagogy, which is based on THE NINE PILLARS OF HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED ON THE INDIVIDUAL.
Get to Know the WBD Methodology
When Marcelinho approached us 15 years ago, WimBelemDon was already a solid NGO, but his enthusiasm was as if it were just the beginning. Full of dreams, plans, energy, and the will to make things happen. And he did. It’s thrilling to see this work of social transformation grow and to be part of it. Bendito Design has been responsible for the NGO’s visual identity work since then, helping to make the dreams of hundreds of children and adults a reality. The NGO’s impact goes far beyond the children, involving families, the community, and our society as a whole. It’s an immense pleasure to see WimBelemDon grow. May we continue with the same enthusiasm!”
I was a very quiet person, and here at WimBelemDon, I became much more open. I made new friends and opened up more to people. I evolved in many ways, including tennis. I loved joining here, something I never imagined. I love the experience of living WimBelemDon.”
Jhully da Veiga Duarte, 14 years old, student since March 2024
Laura Amaral, 45 years old, partner and strategy director at Bendito Design
Vision: Values:
“That all children may have a dream and the ability to pursue it, creating a just and self-sustaining society.”
Mission:
“Promote social transformation in children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, offering tennis practice and cultural, pedagogical, and socio-emotional activities, adopting a humanized approach that respects individual limits and encourages each student’s potential, motivating them to be protagonists of their own stories, multiplying good values, and inspiring the surrounding community.”
Innovation Transparency Transformation Perseverance Empathy
Objective:
WimBelemDon is a social project aimed at promoting the inclusion of children and adolescents in situations of risk or social vulnerability, fostering their holistic development and encouraging their protagonism. Tennis is the main attraction to engage and retain students, but it is interconnected with a much richer and broader effort, consisting of socio-emotional, pedagogical, and cultural workshops that promote individual and social transformations. Junto a tudo isso é desenvolvido um
trabalho baseado em atributos, entendidos como os valores humanos necessários para uma vida plena e para a construção de uma sociedade justa e igualitária. Cada um deles – amor, altruísmo, autoaceitação, empatia, generosidade, gentileza, gratidão, honestidade, humildade, perdão, perseverança, respeito e tolerância – se mostra importante para os educandos e passa a ter grande influência no autoconhecimento e no relacionamento com seus pares e com a sociedade.
Empathy action
Support
inAssisting those affected by the floods became a daily task for the project throughout May. Over 225 donors contributed with monetary donations, totaling R$81,581.34. The campaign enabled the purchase of many essential items, which, combined with others spontaneously sent by partners, translated the empathy generated by the crisis into action.
We also supported the remarkable work done by chef Rodrigo Bellora, who made available the structure and team of the Valle Rustico and Tubuna restaurants (located in Vale do Taquari) to produce meals delivered to the homeless and volunteers in one of the hardest-hit regions. We allocated R$10,000 to the initiative.
One of the most important aspects of the mobilization generated by the floods was the support among Third Sector organizations. In addition to the distribution of resources by public authorities, companies, and individuals, there was a significant movement of donations from OSCs (or NGOs). In WimBelemDon’s case, we were at both ends, receiving donations from organizations such as Instituto Carisma, Instituto C&A, Instituto Cultural Floresta, and Instituto Próxima Geração, and delivering donations to OSCs and social actions that operated on the front lines assisting those affected by the floods.
Our student’s
Families of our students and social organizations in the Far South of Porto Alegre benefited from our campaigns and received:
Basic food baskets
Cleaning and personal hygiene products
Clothes, mattresses, and bedding kits
Water and milk
Donations
We managed to increase the impact of our work through donations received from partners. Some of these included:
Colchões e kits de roupas de cama doados pela Vulcabras, por meio do Instituto Cultural Floresta.
Mais de mil litros de leite doados pela Lactalis Brasil, apoiadora do WimBelemDon desde 2023.
Mais de 5 mil peças de roupas doadas pela Track & Field.
Seis paletes contendo roupas, brinquedos, ração, água, alimentos e produtos de higiene e limpeza foram enviados pelo Instituto Carisma e pelo Instituto C&A.
Deliveries
For our students, over 500 clothing items were delivered and received with great enthusiasm by all.
The “We for Us and We for Them” initiative, which coordinates a shelter for dogs and cats at SABEN (Belém Novo Friends Society), received 103 kg of pet food.
The OSC Amurt-Amurtel, active in the Far South of Porto Alegre, received personal hygiene items (2,364), cleaning products (300), and over 150 kg of food (non-perishable and milk).
activities Monthly
JANUARY
From January to December, the year was filled with dynamism. Our students engaged in educational, sports, social, and integration activities. Follow the month-bymonth retrospective:
Our Olympics
One of the biggest attractions of the season is the Summer Olympics, a competition involving various activities and games, blending reasoning, creativity, physical fitness, and teamwork skills. The Olympics span several weeks, group students into teams, and generate scores both for groups and individually. In addition to performance in activities, behavior and collaborative attitude are valued.
Summer Plan
Summer days at WBD are different. Activities are adapted for the school vacation period, emphasizing fun without neglecting learning, which takes on a lighter tone. During these summer months, WBD records a high number of participants every day, even though it’s vacation time.
Our Bazaar
On January 25, students left the headquarters with bags and backpacks full of items donated to WBD throughout the year. At the bazaar, items are displayed as in a store, separated by gender and size, and the youth have a limited time to enter and select what they want. It’s fun and, at the same time, an opportunity to demonstrate empathy and solidarity: they are encouraged to take only what they need and items that may be useful for their families.
Restinga Crew Visit
The Restinga Crew, a 20-year-old urban dance group with a social and artistic trajectory through Hip Hop, led a memorable day for the project: January 22 created unforgettable memories and new learnings for the students. Activities were divided into workshops, such as Breakdance, drawing, and an introduction to graffiti.
Mental Health in Focus
O projeto recebeu uma convidada especial em 17 de janeiro: a psicóloga Eduarda Zorgi Salvador. A atividade desenvolvida junto aos educandos fez alusão à campanha “Janeiro Branco – Saúde Mental enquanto há tempo! O que fazer agora?”. Em um ambiente seguro e acolhedor, as crianças e jovens foram estimulados a falar e a refletir sobre emoções.
On January 25, psychologist Alice Prates Garcia Scorza, specialized in Business and People Leadership, Psychoanalytic Theory and Technique, and Hospital Psychology, conducted a workshop with the WBD team. The activity also referenced the “White January” campaign and was titled Mental Health and Work, starting with breathing and meditation exercises. Subsequently, typical corporate environment feelings and the causes and effects of stress were addressed.
Summer Internal Tournament
Great tennis moments begin in the first days of the year. For both girls and boys, several matches were held from January 12 to 29, especially involving older students.
A Trip to Sbornia
The São Pedro Theater was the destination for students and their families on January 28. The group watched a session of A Sbornia Kontr’atracka, where Kraunus (Hique Gomez) and Nabiha (Simone Rasslan) present Sbornian songs and stories. Promoting culture is among the project’s goals. The outing was a great success, even among those who watched the play for the second time.
Kids Tennis Festival
Lots of fun and tennis matches – with medals! –marked the morning of January 30, with some matches on the main court and others on mini-courts in the square. The activity is aimed at younger students and tennis newcomers. Each victory was marked with a tally on the children’s arms, so they could keep track of how many matches they won. Older students played a key role, assisting in all moments as ball boys, referees, and scorekeepers.
I’m passionate about tennis, not just the sport itself, but its power to educate and shape children. WimBelemDon combines this passion with social transformation, offering a safe environment where young people develop life skills. Moreover, I believe in the project’s leaders, who are deeply committed to the cause. Knowing that my contribution supports serious and transformative work motivates me to keep supporting it. I believe WimBelemDon’s impact is real and makes a difference for those who need it most.”
Alexandre Guedes Müssnich, 60 years
old,
Architect, Partner-Director at Planobase, and recurring donor
Reading and Chat with the Author
The Children’s Reading Project – A Bright Future (which promotes the delivery of books to children in public schools) had another episode on February 20. Writer Marcos Anselmo Ferreira Franco donated 31 copies of the children’s book Tennis Dreams –The Tennis Planet. In addition to reading some excerpts, participants were able to speak with the author via phone call (he resides in Santos/SP) about the inspiration and importance of a fictional and fantasy work about tennis.
WimBelemDon was transformative in our lives, especially for Melissa, who was welcomed in an unreal way. All the affection and empathy are priceless. Melissa has ADHD and intellectual disability with difficulties in social integration, with an unfavorable financial situation and waiting for SUS. WimBelemDon came at the right time, as the earlier, the better for development. The project offers many things beyond sports; it has multiple social interaction activities, with monthly themes that students address and study, such as having empathy for others and welcoming. There are groups for girls, reasoning games, self-care, helping others, robotics, cinema. All this for all ages, in a way that everyone feels welcomed. I can only thank everyone who is part of this great family that welcomed us. Thank you so much for everything!!!”
Danielle Vasconcelos Porto, 32 years old, mother of Melissa, student since 2023
Perfect Ending
To mark the end of the Summer Plan and the Summer Olympics, we held the Perfect Day on February 22, which this time took place at the countryside headquarters of the Rio Grande do Sul Judges Association (Ajuris). The Perfect Day is the prize for students who performed best in the Olympics, showing dedication to the proposed activities and team spirit. Thanks to the partnership with Ajuris, they could enjoy sports courts, the pool, and the entire facility. After the waterslide, volleyball, and other games, participants recharged with a special afternoon snack.
New Activity
Students and the NGO team were able to try an activity to balance body, mind, and emotions: Reiki, a therapy that works with universal vital energy through the laying on of hands by the therapist. From January 22 to February 7, on Mondays and Wednesdays, Alessandra Dorneles Pinto, a Reiki Master, attended to everyone. “I was very well received, everyone thanked me, and I emphasized that when I do Reiki, I also receive. It was incredible!” commented Alessandra.
WimBelemDon is a gesture of profound humanity: giving all human beings the opportunity to develop their potential and reveal what each has of noblest. The project’s tenacity is revealed over time: despite all challenges, it has maintained and continues to maintain the consistency of its purpose. The WimBelemDon project allows young people in social vulnerability to grow with dignity. We, at Volkmann Alimentos, by offering these young people healthy food, feel we are part of this ideal. It is truly an honor to contribute to such a beautiful initiative.”
João Batista e Helena Volkmann, 65 and 61 years old, owners of Volkmann Alimentos Ltda.
I’ve been contributing monthly to WimBelemDon since the project was created in our neighborhood. As a volunteer for over 12 years in the Social Action Pastoral of Nossa Senhora de Belém Church, I was part of a group visiting low-income families’ homes in the community. I had the opportunity to witness the enthusiasm and behavioral change in most of the young people enrolled in this social project, as, in addition to learning and practicing a sport, these young people receive support, extended to their families, and assistance with school tasks. WimBelemDon is a socially significant project for our community.”
Maria Sirlei Hamme, 81 years old, Belém Novo resident and recurring donor
MARCH
Partnership with Codifica
Within the Learning Laboratory workshop, we started a new educational partnership with Codifica, specialized in technological education, on March 6. The initiative offers workshops introducing children to the world of robotics, programming, experimentation, and practical application of various technologies. Conducted by Francisco Izquierdo in the morning and Lucas Floriano in the afternoon, the activities are carried out with the youngest students (pre-beginner group). The idea is also to teach responsible computer use, show how research is done, and how they can study beyond school.
School Supplies
The start of the school year deserves a special bazaar focused on school supplies. On the 7th, donations received over the previous months –books, notebooks, backpacks, pencil cases, etc. – were distributed to students using the same system as the summer and winter bazaar editions.
Presentations Day
The welcome we offer is not only for the children joining the project but extends to their guardians. On the 20th, we held the first Family Meeting, led by Luciane Barcelos, technical manager, and Carolina Soares, psychologist. Over 30 family members of students learned about the functioning of WBD activities and how Psychology operates in each one. Additionally, the creation of the Women’s Group, with biweekly meetings, was announced. “It’s a therapeutic support group for self-knowledge, a safe space for one participant to strengthen another,” explained Carolina.
Looking Ahead
On the 19th, the Future Talents Program began, aimed at older students and former students. Its purpose is to contribute to the development of technical and behavioral skills for youth aged 15 and up, assisting in their training, entry, and retention in the job market. The program is partnered with the Algar Institute, our supporter since 2019. With weekly meetings (until September), the program is structured around six pillars: ethics, attitude, teamwork, innovation, communication, and negotiation.
Easter Treats
For the second consecutive year, Banco DLL employees collected items to compose Easter baskets for our students. The kits were delivered on March 28, in both shifts, making it a day of joyful – and sweet – memories. Bank employees came to deliver them personally. Banco DLL has been a financial supporter of the project for years. The students’ Easter was also sweetened with kits of candies, lollipops, and other sweets donated by Alessandra Dorneles Pinto, a volunteer from the Reiki workshop.
New Students
The entry of students into the project occurs twice a year, always during the school resumption period, post-summer and winter vacations. On March 18, we welcomed seven new participants for the morning shift and 22 for the afternoon. All 29 young people are residents of neighborhoods in the Far South of the capital. The integration began with our conversation circle, where we introduced the daily ritual of meditation and breathing. With the newcomers, we totaled 99 students served daily.
It’s been 20 years here at WimBelemDon. It’s both an easy and difficult task to talk about these 20 years because it’s talking about my entire life. The history of WimBelemDon and mine intertwine at various moments. Everything I’ve built in my life was through WBD. My education, my profession, me as a person, woman, and now mother. I went through all my phases here, and that’s why I say WBD is not my second home, but my true home. This is where I feel good, where I feel fulfilled. It’s where I am the real Jaleska. Lu and Marcelo are my second parents, part of my life. I can only thank for completing 20 years here and for being able to continue. I still have the same intentions to give back everything I learned, pass on all the teachings I received, and keep helping to make the daily transformation of these children.”
Jaleska Mendes, 29 years old, Educator and former student, at WBD since 2004
Doubles Tournament
The Internal Doubles Tournament was one of the month’s highlights. On Saturday, April 20, part of the team and previously enrolled students gathered, forming seven pairs (three female and four male). The idea came from a request by the students themselves, inspired by the positive experience of the 2023 Davis Cup, when we also proposed doubles matches.
Freedom
Forum
Invited by councilwoman Mari Pimentel and the Freedom Forum organization, 16 students attended lectures at PUCRS on the 5th. The Forum is the largest event on freedom in Latin America, with participation from various personalities in economics, politics, communication, marketing, technology, social work, and more. In the morning, we attended the lecture “Admirable Stories: The Power of the Individual” with Leo Siqueira, Tinga, and Favelado Investidor. In the afternoon, we heard Gustavo Maultasch, Marcel Van Hattem, Marcelo Rech, and Mônica Salgado in a lecture on freedom of expression. The students showed a strong desire to learn, concerns about the future, and an open mind to absorb the information.
Breaking the Ice!
Many of the new students had their first contact with some activities, such as the Yoga Workshop. Dalvo Franceschetto, the volunteer leading the practices, comments that laughter and playfulness are common during some poses. “It’s great to hear reports that, when they get home, they try the poses and do the breathing exercises with their families,” says Dalvo.
New Council Members
On April 17, we held the annual General Assembly meeting of WimBelemDon virtually. After approving the 2023 accounts, presented in the Balance Sheet, the associates endorsed the list of council members for the 2024-2027 term. See the complete list on page 4.
I improved a lot when I started playing tennis. When I joined, I didn’t know how to play; I missed all the balls. Over time, I managed to improve in the sport and in other aspects. I made friends and connected more with the teachers. I was a very closed-off person, I couldn’t talk much, and today I’ve developed. And that’s something I really liked. That’s why I love WimBelemDon.”
Thalita Yamada Roliano, 12 years old, student since November 2024
NLP with Professional Visit
At the beginning of the month, on the 1st and 4th, we received a special visit within the Psychology workshop: Deise Ferraz, a mentor in the field of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and a volunteer who greatly contributed to the discussion of important topics. The activities had different focuses, depending on the group and the students’ ages. The themes addressed were valuing life, family, and teachers, self-respect and respect for others (no to bullying), and drug prevention. For the older students, the main topics were motivation for the future and life purpose.
PERSEVERANCE
GENEROSITY
EMPATHY
Collective Effort
The interruption of regular operations did not mean we worked less. Joining a large solidarity network that spread across Brazil, we supported our families and the community in general with basic food baskets, cleaning products, clothes, milk, water, and mattresses. We are immensely grateful for the support received from partner companies and institutions and the hundreds of people who contributed financially.
Never Forget
In May, we faced one of the most delicate moments in our state’s recent history: the floods. It was a unique and challenging period for all Gaúchos. WBD was not directly affected by the waters, but we dealt with unprecedented consequences. Due to alerts and public decrees, the headquarters suspended activities for most of the month. In total, we operated for only 10 days, in a single shift.
Nobody Lets Go of Anyone’s Hand!
May 2024 made us revisit a strategy created during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. We resumed in-person interviews with a guardian from each family – as we did during COVID-19. The purpose of the meeting was to provide emotional support and create a space to listen and understand the situation of our students’ families. Conducted throughout the month, the interviews addressed economic and health aspects. From this, we could identify those in greater difficulty. All families benefited from basic baskets (food and cleaning and personal hygiene products) and, in some cases, other items such as clothes and mattresses.
Thematic Activities
Upon resuming activities after the most critical period, themes around climate disasters dominated the Learning Laboratory meetings, where environmental issues were already prominent through the MagicGeo platform. Psychologist Marina Campos created a story whose protagonist, Vicente, experienced the floods. Through it, feelings were explored to generate identification among those who went through the traumatic experience. “Even knowing that most of our students were not affected, it was good to talk to them about the challenges this situation brought to the city, the state, and the Gaúchos. They showed great empathy and a willingness to help, caring for nature and assisting those affected,” comments Camile Ribeiro da Rosa, social educator.
Lives Go On!
Amid arrivals and departures, we followed new phases of students. After nearly 10 years, Lucas Mattos – just shy of turning 18 – chose to leave WimBelemDon to work at a tennis school located within a university complex in the capital. The farewell took place on the 17th. He was the second of three siblings to pass through the project (Rafael left in 2017, and Ana, the youngest sister, remains with us).
Meanwhile, Vitor Leite and Sarah Gall, former students, joined the team of collaborators and began working with us, now on the other side of the relationship.
“Everyone here treated me with affection, and I always treated everyone the same way. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of here, because I’m very affectionate, and I don’t regret it.” Lucas Mattos, at his farewell
At TIMAC Agro, we believe that to follow the purpose of ‘Feeding Humanity and Protecting Its Future,’ we also need to transform lives. That’s why, for so many years, we’ve supported the WimBelemDon project, a serious initiative that combines inclusion, education, and sports to sow opportunities and strengthen the community. The positive impact generated is not limited to the students but reaches their families and society, promoting a virtuous cycle of development. That’s why we remain committed to nurturing this partnership, because we believe in the power of sports, education, and inclusion to transform realities.”
Daniel Clairton Schneider, 54 years old, CEO of TIMAC Agro Brasil
JUNE
GENEROSITY
Manuela discovered WimBelemDon at the ‘Tattoo Tennis’ at school and fell in love with the sport and the teacher Jaleska, who is now her main inspiration! In this one year that Manu has been in the project, it’s clear that her motor coordination has improved 100% – social interaction and self-esteem, not to mention! And for me, the project has become much more than a support network; it’s a family! This incredible place gave me the opportunity to have more hours to work, a welcoming place – anyone who visits falls in love! We can only thank everyone for everything! Only gratitude!”
Mônica Silveira Pacheco, 35 years old, mother of Manuela Pacheco, student since 2023
Restart
After two weeks operating in only one shift due to the limitations imposed by the floods, we were able to fully resume activities. Initially, the Tennis Workshop activities were more playful and integrative to help students adapt to the return to routine. We continued with the delivery of donations (basic baskets, personal hygiene and cleaning items, pet food, clothes, mattresses, etc.) to students’ families and institutions.
“It’s great that June has a bit more normality around here. I’m used to cooking lunch for about 100 people a day, counting students and staff, and May was tough. I really like having a full house and seeing their happy faces when they’re serving themselves.”
Luciara Cambraia, cook, exemplifying the impact of the floods on our project’s daily life
Gaucho Tennis Circuit
Twelve students played on the courts of the Leopoldina Juvenil Association and Sogipa, in a stage of the Gaucho Tennis Circuit, from June 27 to 30. With the support of Psychology interns, participation in tournaments helps everyone demonstrate commitment to the group, respect for opponents and referees, punctuality, and care for equipment, qualities that are important both in sports and beyond. Our special thanks to PMI-RS (Project Management Institute), which provided the team’s transportation, and to Quadra Eventos, which gave us the registrations and meals.
Charity Auction
On the 25th, the combined efforts of friends and supporters of WBD bore fruit with the realization of an important auction. In this action, we sold the (right foot) tennis shoe autographed by Novak Djokovic, received in December 2023, following an initiative by former Gaucho tennis player André Ghem. The shoe was sold for R$45,000. Other notable items in the auction included: a racket and uniform from Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, sold for R$33,000; a racket and shirt from Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca, auctioned for R$23,000; an experience with former world number one tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, for R$20,000; and the racket of another Russian tennis player, Andrey Rublev, acquired for R$14,000. WBD was one of the organizations benefited by the auction held by Olympic tennis athlete Marcelo Demoliner, in partnership with Recreio da Juventude, from Caxias do Sul, and Cristiano Escola Leilões. Combined with other donations, the event raised a total of R$297,900.00 and also collected funds for institutions working on the reconstruction of Rio Grande do Sul after the May floods.
Farewells
Volunteer, then educator, Márcio Mauad worked for over five years in the project, in tennis workshops, other sports activities, or recreation, as well as on outings.
On the 7th, it was time for his farewell.
“I can only say that during all the time I was here, I learned a lot from everyone. It was a pleasure to live with and see the development of each of you. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity,” said Márcio. A week later, it was Erick Paz’s turn to say goodbye to the project. With exemplary conduct, he was a student for nearly 10 years and an educator for six months. Erick carries memories of participating in tournaments, trips, events, and many hours of workshops. “What I experienced here helped me become who I am today and ended up providing me with an invitation to teach tennis at another place. So, I’ll continue in the tennis journey thanks to WimBelemDon,” he stated.
MÁRCIO MAUAD
ERICK PAZ
WimBelemDon generates a cycle of transformation where the young people served become multipliers of good practices, creating a positive effect that reverberates beyond immediate results. And all this through tennis and other sports practices. It’s a pride for Doctor Clin, a health plan operator, to have been by the side of such an important project for Gaucho society for so many years. Long live this initiative, and count on us to continue promoting citizenship and active participation in the process of social transformation.”
Débora de Athaydes Behrend, 42 years old, Corporate Marketing Manager at Doctor Clin Group
HONESTY JULY
In the Media
Yuri Calçada Bastos was interviewed on the 18th by Diário Gaúcho for an article that showcased some Olympic sports. The report covered tennis, artistic gymnastics, and breaking through teenagers served by social projects that use these modalities as tools for Social Transformation. Yuri has been with us since 2019. He told the report: “Learning to play helped me express my feelings. Here we have psychologists; they helped me in this journey to express myself, know how to act, and improve at school. Tennis teaches any student to have more posture and respect.”
Winter bazaar
Typical Celebration
The July festival, on the 26th, was full of fun, a moment of unity between students and educators. In addition to the traditional games of the date, typical snacks and treats delighted everyone.
This year’s edition was extra special: our students received pairs of tennis shoes provided by Vulcabras and clothing items donated by Track & Field and Instituto C&A. These treats joined the items usually distributed from donations received regularly from hundreds of people.
Tattoo Tennis
August was also marked by the return, on the 19th, of Tattoo Tennis, a project that brings the sport to students of public schools in the region where our headquarters is located. The initiative had been postponed due to the flood’s consequences. Evarista Flores da Cunha State School hosted the program’s activities, aimed at students in the early years of elementary school. Children aged 6 to 9 had access to playful tennis learning activities. We prepared to serve around 100 children weekly, in two shifts.
Cinema
One of the coolest moments of the month was the cinema outing to watch the fourth film in the Despicable Me franchise on the 2nd, the last day of winter vacation. The group consisted of 20 students and three educators. “When Gru played tennis, the students cheered and said the scene was for them,” recounted psychologist Carolina Soares. We thank the partnership with Trans Aguiar Fretamento e Turismo, which provided the group’s transportation.
Sharing Experiences
On the 20th, we were proud to showcase WimBelemDon, especially our processes in management and service areas, to Douglas Gentil, a Jiu-Jitsu master and founder of a social project in Rio de Janeiro that uses the modality as a tool for Social Transformation. The Maré Top Team, created in 2015, serves over 100 young people, children, and adolescents, from the Maré favela in Rio. Douglas visited our project at the invitation of the Brazil Foundation, a partner of WBD since 2017. This organization supports Brazilian NGOs through funding and technical assistance. Douglas was accompanied by representatives of the institution: Bruno de Souza Faria (Strategic Partnerships Coordinator) and Aline Silva (Financial and Accounting Coordinator). “Certainly, much of what we saw will inspire Douglas to implement at Maré Top Team,” said Bruno.
Understanding Disability
During the Internal Team Training meeting on the 27th, we received a visit from representatives of APAE Esteio: Fernanda Girardi (director), Denise Jordão (psychologist), and Janaína Tenn Pass (social worker). At the invitation of psychologist Carolina Soares, the three visitors shared some of the institution’s service experience. In its nearly 60 years of operation, APAE currently serves approximately 950 people (aged 6 to 70) in its various programs. The visit took place during the National Week of People with Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities. In Fernanda’s words, “understanding disability is understanding that each person functions differently.”
WimBelemDon is incredible; it gives dignity to every child and adolescent there. They care about nutrition, health, clothing, social interaction, and leisure moments, providing experiences that many wouldn’t have access to otherwise. The kids started at the project at the beginning of 2024, and since then, I’ve only seen progress in them. My eldest became focused on sports, especially tennis, and my youngest, who was very shy, now interacts with other children. Both always come home full of news, well-fed, and brimming with expectations for the next day. Our family will be eternally grateful to the project; they will be largely responsible for the incredible future I envision for my children, their influence has been essential in building my little ones’ character.”
Nirvana Silva Menezes, mother of Entoni and Cauã, students since 2024
EMPATHY SEPTEMBER
WBD Piquetão
We embraced the atmosphere that takes over September in the state, with many initiatives focused on Gaucho traditions due to the 20th, the anniversary of the Farroupilha Revolution. For the first time, we set up a piquete – and involved the students, who found fun and learning among pallets, tiles, and nails. In addition to raising the WBD Piquetão, on the 18th, we prepared a series of attractions: raising the Rio Grande do Sul flag, music, a chimarrão workshop, and a special lunch. Our thanks to friends Beto Zaccaro and Ramires Lessa for the musical performance and to friend Vera Aguiar for the lesson on how to make a mate.
For the Jama Institute, the partnership with WimBelemDon represents the union of purposes for education and community development. We believe the new community library will be a vibrant space for learning and social transformation, benefiting schools, local residents, and all who connect with this specially created place to strengthen bonds and expand educational actions. WimBelemDon’s work has a profound impact on the community, and we are honored to contribute to further amplifying these positive results we’ve followed throughout its history.”
Adriana Lanzarini, Executive Director of the Jama Institute
Gaucho Traditions
On the 11th, a group of 42 students and seven educators was welcomed at Rancho Tabacaray, in the Vila Nova neighborhood, at the invitation of Antonio Costaguta, better known as El Topador, one of the state’s most renowned barbecue experts. Host of the program Na Beira do Fogo, aired every Sunday on SBT, he held special actions related to the Farroupilha month in September, and within this calendar, Wednesdays were reserved for visits from social organizations to his piquete. On the occasion, our group had a class on music and traditional Gaucho rhythms taught by Marcos Molinari, creator of the Baticundum project, which works with children’s musical education.
Segue o jogo
We were one of the Gaucho organizations selected in the second edition of the Segue o Jogo Program. Conducted by the State Secretariat for Sports and Leisure in partnership with CUFA-RS, the call aims to map and renew materials and equipment for voluntary community-based sports projects in Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 1,889 projects were selected out of 3,748 applications. We received R$10,000 in items, such as chess boards, volleyball and basketball balls, ping-pong kits, mats, beach tennis rackets, among others. “The materials will be used by the students in the workshops we hold and will also be useful in upcoming actions, when we plan to expand our reach with the start of activities in other areas of Belém Novo,” commented Marcelo Ruschel, founder and superintendent of WBD. The delivery took place at CETE (State Sports Training Center) and was attended by Governor Eduardo Leite and the State Secretary for Sports and Leisure, Danrlei de Deus.
Davis Cup
Our traditional internal tournament, modeled after the famous international tennis event, pitted the United States against Spain on the 28th. In addition to singles and doubles matches, the students – from advanced, intermediate, and beginner classes – participated in activities developed by our Psychology team, aimed at working on concentration and reducing anxiety. “The coolest thing about the Davis Cup is encouraging their sense of group and organization, as they themselves have to make decisions about team composition. It’s a great experience,” comments Raphael Trindade, the project’s Sports Manager.
The Return of Ping-Pong
SELF-ACCEPTANCE
Table tennis made a strong comeback at WBD. Thanks to the Segue o Jogo 2 Program (promoted by the State Secretariat for Sports and Leisure and CUFA-RS), we received two ping-pong tables, nets, paddles, and balls. On the 17th and 18th, we inaugurated the no-
velties with a fun tournament that involved all students.
A vez dos pequenos
Realizamos no dia 3 uma edição da Copa Davis exclusiva para os educandos das turmas dos pré-iniciantes. Defendendo os Estados Unidos e a Espanha, eles vivenciaram um torneio cheio de animação e muito tênis. As atividades ocorreram em ambos os turnos, com direito a atividades lúdicas e recreativas, além de celebração no final, quando todos, sem distinção, receberam medalhas.
Our Anniversary
• This month, we inaugurated equipment for four sports (chess, table soccer, ping-pong, and slackline) received through the Segue o Jogo 2 call. The modalities will be offered sporadically. We reached the month of our anniversary, which since 2018 has been celebrated with a big party, the HalloWeenBelemDon, always on the 31st. With the headquarters decorated, everyone in costume, special food, and lots of fun, we completed 24 years reinforcing our mission to promote social transformation for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations.
New Sports Activity
Table soccer joined the list of sporadic activities at WBD. To introduce it to the students, on the 15th, we invited a specialist: teacher Gustavo Coelho, who dedicates his spare time to table soccer. He is accustomed to introducing the practice to students in public schools through workshops.
The Return of Chess
On the 22nd, it was chess’s turn to join the program, also a result of the call we were selected for. To “inaugurate” the new pieces, we welcomed Janaína and Adriana Xavier, who run @XadrezPoa250. In 2023, they had already been responsible for a weekly chess workshop with our students.
We’re on the Line!
On the 23rd, we welcomed the Slack Sem Fronteiras team to introduce the students to a new modality: slackline. The group specializes in conducting events and workshops. Held at Triângulo Square, in front of our headquarters, the activity works on balance in maneuvers on a flexible strap suspended between two fixed points. The complete slackline set is also a result of the Segue o Jogo 2 Program call.
Expanded Vision
Another significant moment of the month was through Clínica Pró-Visão Moinhos and Óptica Foernges, which conducted exams on the students and provided glasses for all who needed them. It’s the fourth consecutive year of this free action. “There’s a significant impact on the learning capacity of children with visual impairments, and we understand that we can contribute with this visual assessment,” commented ophthalmologist Ricardo Freda, a partner at the clinic. On the 9th, 61 students underwent eye exams at our headquarters, and of these, 18 needed further evaluations. Confirming the need for glasses, they had lenses and frames guaranteed, donated by Óptica Foernges. On the 26th, at the clinic, complementing the evaluation, 15 students confirmed the need for glasses.
2024 was a challenging year, in which many people performing their roles in society –whether social assistance professionals, OSCs, and/ or volunteers – needed to be resilient, reinventing their work with families affected by the flood. We saw the importance of carrying out fair, humanitarian, empathetic social work with sensitivity, aiming to reduce the damage caused by the heavy rains. Accepting the opportunity and the new challenge at WBD was significant in my professional life, as I understand the need for spaces like this, which promote protection, inclusion, and have activities designed for the interaction and development of students. Social Work at WBD aims to understand the student’s reality as a whole, with a keen eye on various situations of social vulnerability, seeking the best service, guidance, and referral of families to other services, enabling access and guaranteeing their rights.”
Fabiana Silva de Souza, 45 years old, Social Worker since 2024
NOVEMBER
GRATITUDE
We celebrated the arrival of new students in the penultimate month of the year. The entire team mobilized to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible. The 21st was a day of welcome for 19 young people, 11 in the morning shift and eight in the afternoon. After an initial moment of breathing and a general presentation, our new students participated in a conversation with the educators to better understand the routine and activities.
Highly Desired Gift
On the 8th, our students received their new glasses, donated by Óptica Foernges. The screening, through exams, had been done the previous month in two stages: the first at the headquarters and the second at the partner clinic, Pró-Visão Moinhos. We deeply thank ophthalmologist Ricardo Freda and the clinic and optical teams for making this possible and for believing in the power of vision – in every sense – as a tool to build brighter futures.
Official Closing
On the 1st, the students of the 3rd class of the Future Talents Program participated in the closing ceremony of the activities. A result of a partnership with the Algar Institute, the program focuses on preparing young people for the job market through six pillars: ethics, attitude, teamwork, innovation, communication, and negotiation. The 2024 class included ten young people, eight students and two former WBD students. For the first time in two shifts, the journey began in March. Despite the issues caused by the May flood, it continued without interruptions. Thank you, Algar Institute! Created in 2002 by the homonymous business group, which operates in technology, agriculture, entertainment, and services, the institute enables and manages social responsibility actions for Algar companies. It has been a partner of WimBelemDon since 2019.
Well then. I’ve never liked farewells. My favorite moments have always been the ‘arrivals.’ But there are farewells that are special. December 20 became a special day in my memory calendar. It marked the end of a cycle of over a decade. Welcome, transformations, quiet moments, and turbulence, arrivals, and departures (of others) prepared my heart for this unique moment: saying goodbye to an unparalleled place. The children’s hugs, the youths’ kisses, the partnership with colleagues, the certainty of having done my best… Everything so beautiful and special. Beautiful and special like our WimBelemDon! Gifts. Memories. A very special certificate: I am a LEGEND! And legends can return voluntarily.”
WimBelemDon taught me the greatness of volunteering. I’ve followed the project from the beginning, as I’ve known Marcelo for a long time. We reconnected through the intensity that he and Lu put into the quality of welcoming the children in that corner of the south of the capital, so underserved and in need. The need for resources to maintain the project created a kind of confraternity of good that, year after year, gained substance and visibility. At one point, he called me to contribute with what I could: adding through music. From then on, I invited friends from Regional Laranjal to participate in important dates on the project’s calendar: Ué?! SOPA! and Giving Day, which bring together collaborators, ambassadors, volunteers, and the community in general. Each time, we leave renewed, exercising the attributes that drive WimBelemDon’s daily life: Love, Altruism, Self-Acceptance, Empathy, Generosity, Kindness, Gratitude, Honesty, Humility, Forgiveness. Thank you so much for the opportunity.”
Sady Homrich, 60 years old, Gaucho musician, member of the bands Nenhum de Nós and Regional Laranjal
Valéria Santos da Silva,, 60 years old, former WBD educator
Illustrious Visit
The Lord Elephant, mascot of Elefante Letrado, was at our headquarters on the 16th. The students and the platform’s team experienced a moment of learning, fun, and recognition. Certificates were awarded to the students who stood out the most in using the platform throughout the year. Since 2015, Elefante Letrado has been a key partner for WBD. The platform offers our students access to thousands of book titles.
Giving and Celebration Day
Visits, good food, quality music, games, and level advancement for the students marked Giving Day, on December 3, always a very special moment at WimBelemDon.
The great music was provided by the Regional Laranjal band. Led by our friend Sady Homrich (drummer of Nenhum de Nós), Regional Laranjal entertained visitors, playing the great classics of chorinho and samba de raiz. And to accompany the musical rhythm, nothing better than a delicious feijoada.
In total, 17 students advanced levels. To move up, they must demonstrate progress, engagement, camaraderie, and, above all, commitment to all offered activities.
On the occasion, members of WimBelemDon’s Deliberative and Economic and Fiscal Affairs Councils held their last meeting of the year. On the agenda were financial analysis of the closed quarters, budget presentation, the 2025 work plan, and expansion projects.
Another Dream Coming to Life
On Giving Day, a wonderful novelty was announced: thanks to the partnership with the Jama Institute, created by Jayme Sirotsky, in 2025, we will joyfully receive the structure of the first Community Library in our region! The 110m² space will be built from five adapted naval containers, combining sustainability and innovation. The library will be installed at Carlos Santa Helena Square, recently adopted by WBD, right in front of the headquarters. But it will be much more than a book collection: we’re talking about a true hub for coexistence and learning! A place where culture, education, and leisure meet to transform the community’s life.
Farewell,
“Teacher”
Responsible for the Learning Laboratory and the Future Talents Program, Valéria Santos da Silva was always a central figure in our team. On the 19th, she left the project. Passionate about reading and a tireless encourager of the habit, “Teacher Val” left a void. In her final message to the students, she shared a lesson that reflects the spirit of WimBelemDon: “The most important thing of all is that you believe in yourselves.”
WBD Team Party
Tattoo Tennis Closing
Due to the flood, this year’s project was limited to a single school, Evarista Flores da Cunha – in 2023, three participated. On the 9th, we concluded the activities, inviting the students to evaluate the experience. Almost all reported being happy to be part of the project. Tattoo Tennis goes beyond introducing the sport and WBD to children in public schools in the region; it also offers a valuable learning opportunity for the students. The project’s more experienced young people are invited to support educators during classes, experiencing the responsibility of coordinating activities.
On the 20th, our team gathered for the traditional end-of-year celebration. We took the opportunity to honor our colleague Valéria Santos da Silva again, who concluded her participation in the project. The 2024 celebration took place at WimBelemDon’s headquarters and was filled with integration activities, with dynamics on the court and the wall, simulating experiences that the students go through. At lunchtime, everyone pitched in, under the guidance of chef Jorge Ferreira. The afternoon was marked by conversations and nostalgia, as many stories lived throughout the year were recalled.
Library Costs
The partnership with the Jama Institute in the Community Library project covers the costs of the project, documentation, and construction of the library. However, WimBelemDon is responsible for acquiring the furniture and equipment needed to make the space functional, with an estimated cost of R$101,189.00. To cover this expense, we created the EXPANDING ROOTS crowdfunding campaign. With the community’s support, we aim to ensure the library is fully inaugurated in 2025.
CHECK OUT EVERYTHING THIS INCREDIBLE SPACE WILL OFFER:
More students served and greater diversity in workshops.
Loan of sports equipment for the square’s multi-sport court.
Outdoor cultural events, such as movie screenings, poetry readings, shows, and much more.
Exclusive activities for local schools, further strengthening access to education and culture.
Post with Highest Engagement
On April 4, 2024, WimBelemDon joined various actions to support the population affected by the flood: 2,427 interactions and 72,485 accounts reached.
Media Coverage
Online Highlight:
02/01/2024: Jornal do Comércio jornaldocomercio.com General. “‘We received this treasure,’ says manager of Gaucho NGO about Djokovic’s tennis shoe donation.”
Radio Highlight:
29/06/2024: Gaúcha FM 93.7 MHz | Show de Bola. Interview with Evandro Saraiva and Marcelo Ruschel.
Spontaneous Media
27/07/2024: Diário Gaúcho DG+ | Page 14. “In the periphery, sports are an opportunity.”
Newspaper Highlight: TV Spotlight:
27/11/2024: Ulbra TV | Multicidades. “Porto Alegre NGO celebrates 24 years transforming lives through sports.”
991.390,00 76 100%
2024 Indicators
The year 2024 ended with a 12% increase in the number of students served daily by WimBelemDon, rising from 84 to 94 young people from the Far South of Porto Alegre with access to the offered activities. We had a total of 38 departures and 48 new student entries.
The average attendance rate was 54.42%, with 33.78% of the youth registering presence in more than 75% of the regular activities. To serve this audience, our kitchen provided 20,093 meals throughout the year, including lunches and snacks offered daily.
In addition to the work done directly with the youth served, WimBelemDon professionals, through the Social Work and Psychology areas, also support approximately 282 people who make up the students’ family units. Whether in monthly family meetings, referrals of demands to public authorities, or specific actions (such as delivering basic
baskets, school kits, etc.), family involvement strengthens the work done with the students.
Another important data point to highlight concerns the monitoring by the Psychology area of students who present some type of psychological disorder or use controlled medication. From January to December 2024, the percentage of students with this profile increased from 10% to 22%. In the same period, there was an increase from 10% to 18% in the number of students receiving some type of psychological support from professionals linked to WimBelemDon.
Complementing the service, from August to December, we offered weekly tennis activities to 105 students from Evarista Flores da Cunha State School within the Tattoo Tennis Project. The activities, coordinated by educators and teenage students from WimBelemDon, target children aged 6 to 9 in the early years of elementary school.
Age Group
Partnership
A long-time partner of WimBelemDon, Elefante Letrado is the first digital reading platform, emphasizing reading skills, for children in Elementary School I. With a collection of thousands of books in Portuguese and English, the platform features curation by renowned experts. Additionally, to promote the evaluation of reading progress, pedagogical activities for each book and the Reading Fluency Test ensure educators can continuously monitor students’ progress. In 2024, the 77 students who accessed Elefante Letrado during the Learning Laboratory activities read 1,586 books and listened to another 216 publications. In total, approximately 40 hours were dedicated to reading and over 8 hours to listening within the platform. Elefante Letrado’s purpose of “helping transform lives through reading” directly contributes to our mission of promoting true SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION.
Activity Attendance
Less
Educational Lag
TRANSPARENCY is one of our values and is present in all areas of our organization. Since 2013, we have conducted independent audits of our financial statements. The audit is carried out by Audilink Auditores & Consultores, and the results can be viewed on our website.
Income statement for the period
See the Balance Sheets and Audit Reports from Recent Years
2025 Supporters
MAINTAINERS
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WimBelemDowment
Philanthropic Endowment Fund
We were one of the first Brazilian organizations to create a Philanthropic Endowment Fund following the regulations established by Federal Law 13,800/19. An independent legal structure was created to manage the resources received through donations, with WimBelemDon as the sole beneficiary entity. Donations can be financial (small or large amounts), land, real estate, artworks, etc. All donated amounts are invested in a fund (managed by specialists), and only the returns are used for WimBelemDon projects.
HOW TO DONATE
Monthly or One-Time Donation
Monthly or one-time donations allow us to improve long-term planning. This revenue enables the NGO to work independently of public funding policies. Quickly and easily, you define a monthly contribution amount and payment method. In addition to contributing to the maintenance of our activities, you will receive benefits for participating in events promoted by the NGO, such as Rolando Arroz and Ué?! SOPA!. It takes five minutes to donate, and the benefit lasts a long time.
Donation via Income Tax
Income tax allocation can be made by both individuals (6%) and companies (1%). Donations are managed by FUNCRIANÇA, from the Porto Alegre City Hall, which registers and oversees the benefited institutions. Allocating part of the income tax is a true exercise in citizenship, as you choose where part of your taxes should be applied. In addition to directly supporting our activities, companies that allocate income tax have a series of brand exposure benefits at our headquarters, social media, and other actions carried out.
Other Ways to Donate
• Be a volunteer and dedicate time to share your knowledge with our students;
• Register for the Nota Fiscal Gaúcha Program and select us as the benefited entity;
• Participate in our events;
• Follow @WimBelemDon on social media and help increase our number of supporters;
• Introduce our work to friends and family;
• Contribute to our crowdfunding campaigns;
• Donate clothes, shoes, and sports equipment;
• Make your company a WBD partner through donations, pro bono work, or sponsoring our events;
• Turn your birthday, wedding, or special celebration into support for our actions by exchanging your gifts for donations to WimBelemDon through personalized campaigns.
CREDITS
Coordenação da Publicação
Marcelo Ruschel and Cristiano Alves Santarem
Editorial Coordination and Editing
Milene Leal • Entrelinhas
Content & Form
www.entrelinhas.inf.br
Writing
Loraine Luz and Milene Leal
Graphic Design and Layout
Luciane Trindade
Illustrations
Bendito Design
Proofreading
Flávio Dotti Cesa
Photography
WimBelemDon Archive
Printing Comunicação Impressa
Discover the Headquarters of WimBelemDon
www.wimbelemdon.com.br facebook.com/wimbelemdon instagram.com/wimbelemdon/ x.com/wimbelemdon youtube.com/wimbelemdon linkedin.com/company/wimbelemdon/ wimbelemdon@wimbelemdon.com.br WIMBELEMDON
Own Headquarters: Heitor Vieira Avenue, 68 Porto Alegre | RS 91780-000 | Brasil 55 51 3242.5637