The floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have already passed, but their consequences are still devastating the region. For this reason, almost 8,000 students from across Adventist schools in the states of Mato Grosso mobilized, collecting 9,682.033 kg of items to help the victims of the catastrophe.
According to Professor Gilnei Maciel, leader of the Adventist Education network in the eastern part of the state, the response from the local community has been extraordinary:
This initiative is an example for students of how the community can come together to provide practical and emotional support in times of crisis.
Alfredo Joaquim Ferreira, principal of one of the schools involved, emphasized the commitment of the students and their families. "Everyone got involved, from the youngest to the high school students. Some parents brought large quantities of essential items, showing remarkable commitment," he said. Ferreira also mentioned the students' emotion as they wrote letters of support for the victims, which will be sent along with the donations.
Students Reflect
Fernanda de Andrade, a 7th-grade student, shared her fundraising experience. “On my street, we formed a group and asked for clothes, water, and food donations. We filled the entire school hallway and even the meeting room with donations,” she said. She highlighted the positive influence of the school and the activities in the chapel, which emphasize the importance of helping others.
"My family and I donated water, food and clothes. Our pastor helped us organize everything on Saturday. The school and my family really encouraged me to participate," said Pedro Lucas Gonçalves de Lima, a 1st grader who spoke about the impact of the school's teachings.
Bruna Manuele, a third-year high school student, highlighted the mobilization in her condominium. "We made a banner and collected food and clothes with the help of our neighbors. It was gratifying to see everyone so willing to help," she said. She also highlighted the school's influence and her desire to continue participating in solidarity projects.
Ian Christopher, also a high school senior, shared his experience of fundraising with friends at the condominium. "We collect donations and organize everything here at school. The chapel and the school's religious nature really encourage us to participate," he said.
The Impact of Adventist Education
For Gilnei Maciel, the impact of the campaign goes beyond material donations:
We want to get students involved and concerned about others. This campaign creates a synesthetic movement, where students feel they are contributing in a real and meaningful way.
He highlighted preliminary figures that reflect the magnitude of the effort: approximately 9 tons of food, 17 thousand items of clothing, 672 kg of hygiene materials, 29 thousand liters of cleaning materials, and thousands of other essential items.
The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.
