Location: BRAZIL
The Project
The Moleques do Bem (Nice Kids) initiative began as a heartfelt commitment to nurture creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging among young people. Over the course of a month, seven boys from the Ramo Gama Youth Center took part in a transformative journey through workshops in art, storytelling, character development, and entrepreneurship. From designing a book based on their own characters to launching a fictional mini-business, they discovered the power of imagination, teamwork, and self-expression.
As one participant proudly shared, “I never thought I could create something that people would want to read, but now I know I can.”
These experiences did more than fill days with activities; they opened new possibilities for the future.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
This transformation was made possible through the support of The Pollination Project, whose grant allowed the project to reach Três Rios, a city where opportunities for youth are often limited. With the funding, the team created a safe and inspiring environment, supplied learning materials, and covered essential costs that made the workshops accessible.
The investment of less than $1,000 produced a ripple effect: children grew in self-esteem, teachers and families saw renewed enthusiasm, and the community recognized the value of grassroots organizations in sparking change.
As project leader Raquel Pádua reflected, “The Pollination Project believed in me when all I had was a dream. Their support turned that dream into real smiles, real books, and real possibilities.”
This is the essence of grassroots philanthropy, where even a small grant generates meaningful and lasting impact
The Future
The success of this pilot has inspired a vision for the future. Plans are already underway to expand Moleques do Bem to new cities, replicate the month-long format for more children, and launch companion programs like Molecas do Bem, designed to empower girls through fashion, self-knowledge, and entrepreneurship, as well as Vovôs do Bem for older generations. With ongoing support from grassroots funding opportunities and community project funding, the initiative hopes to publish the children’s creations and build a network of local nonprofits dedicated to creativity and empowerment.
As Raquel expressed, “This was only the beginning. The seeds we planted will continue to grow, and with partners like The Pollination Project, we can inspire transformation across generations.”
Being awarded the Pollination Project grant was a truly transformative opportunity. This experience not only allowed me to expand the horizons of my social project, but also afforded me the privilege of working with incredibly special children, who come from a culture different from the capital, but who, deep down, share the same dreams, desires, and ambitions as any other child.
Raquel Pádua
With a degree in Product Design and a specialization in Entrepreneurial Executive Management, Raquel combines her professional expertise with her passion for social impact. Her background in Visual Arts, where she has exhibited in Brazilian galleries, enriches the creative dimension of her work. Known for her ability to recruit, inspire, and manage people, she fosters collaboration while guiding youth to imagine and build their own futures with optimism and team spirit.
Recognizing the power of art and storytelling to mobilize communities, Raquel has engaged volunteers and designed workshops that introduce young people to a variety of professions, nurturing their creativity, confidence, and leadership.
Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.
