R. Ibiraçu, 226 - São Paulo, SP, Brasil
F +55 11 2386 1320 - aoka@aoka.com.br
In all our Aoka Experiences, we can always count on our wonderful, welcoming hosts who are part of the communities themselves or community-based NGOs. Indeed, only they can best represent the local sites we visit!
Introduction to Our Hosts
Nilce Pontes
Nilce Pontes is an extremely active, promising leader of the Quilombo de Ribeirão Grande, where she was born. Even with the responsibilities of raising 5 children, she still made time to fight for the rights of at least 3 communities in the Vale do Ribeira, underlining her tremendous commitment to community development. She currently acts as the ambassador of Aoka in relationship to other communities in the region.
Laura de Jesus Braga
Laura de Jesus Braga is an inhabitant of Quilombo da Fazenda, a community located on the beach of Pincinguaba in Ubatuba. Born in the region, she wields a fighting spirit to guarantee the rights of her people, a fact that naturally led her to be her community’s leader. To earn a living, she works as a cook at the Picinguaba Gateway of PESM (State Park of ‘Serra do Mar’). Beyond this, Laura organizes dynamic events to promote and celebrate the cultural traditions of her community and mobilize local youth to defend their rights and realize their dreams.
Dimas Reis
Dimas Reis is a young artist and educator, born and raised in the urban community of Brasilandia, in the outskirts of São Paulo. He was part of the Warriors Without Weapons and Oasis Movement Programs, from Instituto Elos, helping to make the dreams of different communities materialize through hands-on volunteering programs. He has also completed the Art of Hosting course in 2010, when he acquired different facilitation skills to improve his community leading abilities. His work includes mobilizing the community towards cultural development and hands-on volunteering projects.
