In an initiative that combined learning, solidarity, and service to others, students from Duque de Caxias Adventist College visited a long-term care facility near the school on August 21. There, students spent an afternoon interacting with and caring for elderly people.

The service project is part of the Breaking the Silence Project. The project's 2026 theme is "Elderly People at Risk: the violence that affects those who need care the most." Students have discussed the theme in classroom settings, and the service project provided a practical application designed to encourage respect, attention, and protection for the elderly.

During the visit, students participated in a program specially prepared for the elderly. Haircuts, hair care, manicures, pedicures, live music, prayer, and a fruit picnic were offered to residents. Students also donated more than 800 personal hygiene kits to the facility.

According to Rafael Santos, the university chaplain, the purpose of the service project was to show students that caring for the elderly goes beyond avoiding physical abuse.

In conjunction with the service day, a Breaking the Silence campaign was held throughout the South American Division on August 22.

In addition to actions in public spaces, churches prepared specific programs for the elderly. Programs included street outreach, distribution of informational materials, visits to long-term care facilities, and activities to foster social interaction with seniors.

Meanwhile, the church in Mansão, Brazil, visited the Mansão Esperança nursing home. The group held an afternoon tea and a service with hymns, a sermon, and individual and collective prayers. Additionally, diapers, food, hygiene products, a wheelchair, and clothing were donated.

Local awareness

For Janaína Boeker, a leader of the project, the Breaking the Silence Project is more than an effort to raise awareness; it is a message of hope.

“We take to the streets to show the importance of valuing the elderly and what they have to offer us. We also want to raise awareness about the risks that the elderly face,” she explains.

According to Boeker, many situations of violence are not easily identified. "Sometimes, we only notice what is visible when we talk about violence, but there are many other forms, especially against the elderly. We have abandonment, neglect, and financial issues," she points out.

Furthermore, property violence and scams often target the elderly. Therefore, Boeker said guidance should involve not only the elderly but also children, grandchildren, other family members, and others in their daily lives.

“It’s important to alert the population because children and grandchildren can learn [the signs of a scam] and be advised to help their grandparents and elderly family members so they don’t suffer this type of violence,” said Boeker.

Church awareness

The project also aims to draw attention to the responsibility of religious communities in supporting elderly people. For Boeker, prevention begins with observation and daily care.

“We must alert our brothers and sisters to take care of these people. Sometimes, an elderly person stops attending church, and nobody asks why they are no longer coming,” she explains.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.